Which health history information would be most important for the nurse to obtain when assessing a client with suspected bladder cancer who reports painless hematuria?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tell-tale symptom of bladder cancer, seen in >75% of cases, is painless hematuria; the client will report seeing blood in the urine with no associated pain. As with many other types of cancer, the primary cause of bladder cancer is cigarette smoking or other tobacco use (Option C). Poorer outcomes are seen with increased length of time as a smoker and higher number of packs per day. (Option A) Clients who have family members with bladder cancer have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer themselves; however, the primary risk factor is tobacco use. (Option B) Occupational carcinogen exposure is the second most common risk factor. Occupational exposures include printing, iron and aluminum processing, industrial painting, metal work, machining, and mining. Clients are exposed to carcinogens through direct skin contact and inhalation (aerosols and vapors). (Option D) Consuming a high-fat diet and using artificial sweeteners are risk factors for developing bladder cancer, but they are not the primary cause. Educational objective: Painless hematuria is the most common presenting symptom of bladder cancer. Cigarette smoking or other tobacco use is the primary risk factor.

Which Health History Information Would Be most Important for the Nurse