Question 1

After performing a colposcopy on a client who has cervical cancer, the health-care provider tells a nurse the tumor has spread into the lower third of the vagina. Which stage of cervical cancer does the nurse expect to be documented in the client's medical record?

Accepted Answer

The spread of cervical cancer into the lower third of the vagina indicates Stage III. This stage is characterized by the spread of cancer beyond the cervix and uterus, reaching the lower portion of the vagina but not extending to the pelvic wall or the lower third of the vagina.

Question 2

A client is diagnosed with brain cancer identified as a grade IV glioblastoma. Which treatment does the nurse expect for this client?

Accepted Answer

Radiation and chemotherapy are the expected treatments for a client diagnosed with a grade IV glioblastoma.

Question 3

The nurse is assessing a client with thyroid cancer and anticipates the client has a benign tumor. Which finding helps the nurse to reach this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of pain in thyroid nodules can indicate hemorrhage into a cyst, which is more commonly associated with benign thyroid conditions rather than malignant ones. Malignant nodules are more likely to be hard, fixed, and rapidly growing without tenderness.

Question 4

The laboratory reports of a client diagnosed with lung cancer indicate the client has increased adrenocorticotrophic levels. Which outcome does the nurse expect in the client?

Accepted Answer

Increased adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels can lead to increased production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), which can cause darkening of the skin. This is a common symptom in conditions where ACTH levels are elevated, such as in ectopic ACTH syndrome, which can occur in lung cancer.

Question 5

The nurse is screening multiple clients for susceptibility for lung cancer. Which client is identified as most likely to be diagnosed with cancer?

Accepted Answer

An older adult male who worked as a mechanic and has a persistent cough is most likely to be diagnosed with cancer. This is because he has a history of exposure to carcinogens (asbestos, diesel fumes, etc.) and has a persistent cough, which could be a sign of lung cancer.

Question 6

The prescription of which diagnostic test alerts the nurse to a possible presence of liver cancer?

Accepted Answer

The Alpha-fetoprotein test (AFP) is a blood test that measures the level of AFP in the blood. Elevated levels of AFP can be a sign of liver cancer, among other conditions. CA-125 is associated with ovarian cancer, the Papanicolaou test is used for detecting cervical cancer, and the Barium enema test is a diagnostic imaging test used to examine the lower GI tract, none of which are directly related to liver cancer detection.

Question 7

The nurse is providing care for a client after the removal of an abdominal tumor. Which information indicates to the nurse the tumor is benign?

Accepted Answer

Benign tumors are characterized by cells that remain cohesive, unlike malignant tumors where cells can invade surrounding tissues. Anaplasia, invasiveness, and erratic growth patterns are more indicative of malignant tumors.

Question 8

A client with breast cancer undergoes a lumpectomy for HER2 protein cancer. Which medication is effective for the treatment of this condition in the client?

Accepted Answer

Trastuzumab is effective for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, as it specifically targets the HER2 protein, which is overexpressed in some breast cancers.

Question 9

After assessing a client, the nurse finds the client has cervical cancer. In addition, there is a growth of cancer cells in the bladder, rectum, and other parts of the body. Which stage of cervical cancer does the nurse identify in the client?

Accepted Answer

The description of cervical cancer spreading to the bladder, rectum, and other parts of the body indicates Stage IV. This stage is characterized by the spread of cancer beyond the pelvis or affecting the lining of the bladder or rectum.

Question 10

Which laboratory finding is most common in a client who has lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which laboratory finding is most common in...

Question 11

A health-care provider performs an examination on a client diagnosed with colon cancer and finds that the tumor has invaded into the visceral peritoneum. Which stage of colon cancer does the nurse expect to be documented in the client's medical record?

Accepted Answer

In the TNM staging system for colon cancer, invasion into the visceral peritoneum is classified as T4, which corresponds to at least Stage IIB, depending on the involvement of lymph nodes or distant metastasis. Stage I involves the inner layers of the colon only, Stage III involves lymph node involvement, and Stage IV involves distant metastases. Since the question specifies invasion into the visceral peritoneum without mentioning lymph node involvement or distant metastasis, Stage IIB is the most accurate classification based on the information provided.

Question 12

A computerized tomography (CT) scan shows the presence of a malignant tumor in a client. The health-care provider tells the nurse the tumor is of type grade II. Which appearance of the tumor does the nurse anticipate in the CT scan?

Accepted Answer

Grade II tumors are moderately differentiated, meaning they retain some characteristics of normal cells but also have more abnormalities compared to well-differentiated (grade I) tumors.

Question 13

After assessing a client with breast cancer, the nurse concludes that the client has basal category cancer that requires immediate treatment with chemotherapy. Which finding assisted the nurse in reaching this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Basal category breast cancer, often referred to as triple-negative breast cancer, is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein. This type of cancer tends to grow and spread faster than other types of breast cancer, making it more aggressive and often requiring immediate treatment, such as chemotherapy.

Question 14

A computerized tomography (CT) scan report of a client shows a 2-cm tumor in the left breast and no signs of metastatic lesions in other parts of the body. Upon physical assessment, the health-care provider identifies the presence of three cancer-positive lymph nodes. In which manner does the health-care provider document this finding in the medical record according to the TNM classification?

Accepted Answer

The TNM classification system is used to describe the extent of cancer spread. "T" refers to the size of the original (primary) tumor, "N" refers to whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and "M" refers to metastasis. In this case, "T1" indicates a small tumor (2 cm), "N3" indicates cancer has spread to three lymph nodes, and "M0" indicates there is no distant metastasis.

Question 15

Which type of carcinogenic cells are present in the central part of the lung and cause erosion in the proximal bronchus?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma is known for its central location in the lungs and its tendency to cause erosion in the proximal bronchus. This type of lung cancer typically arises from the cells lining the airways and is associated with smoking.

Question 16

A client with ovarian cancer undergoes surgery. The health-care provider prescribes platinum and paclitaxel as the postoperative treatment. Which action does the nurse expect from the medication?

Accepted Answer

Platinum and paclitaxel are chemotherapeutic agents that work by interfering with the mitotic process, thereby reducing the division and proliferation of cancerous cells.

Question 17

The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with colon cancer. The client exhibits signs of jaundice. Which change does the nurse expect in the client's condition?

Accepted Answer

Jaundice in a patient with colon cancer is often a sign of liver involvement, indicating that the cancer may have metastasized to the liver. This is because the liver processes bilirubin, and its dysfunction can lead to jaundice.

Question 18

A client is diagnosed with cancer, with the accompanying manifestations of fatigue, weakness, and unintentional weight loss. Which cause does the nurse relate to the client's cachectic appearance?

Accepted Answer

Cachexia in cancer patients is primarily caused by the breakdown of muscle and fat due to substances released by white blood cells (WBCs) and other cells in response to the tumor. This metabolic syndrome is not simply due to decreased appetite or increased rest but involves complex biochemical and inflammatory pathways.

Question 19

The nurse is preparing teaching materials for a presentation at a community center about cancer. Which is the most important factor for the nurse to share?

Accepted Answer

Cancers of the lung, female breast, prostate, and colon are indeed the most prevalent and are responsible for the majority of cancer diagnoses and deaths. This information is crucial for raising awareness about the most common cancers and emphasizing the importance of screening and early detection for these particular types.

Question 20

The nurse is preparing a community education program about cancer. Which is a client-appropriate definition about how potential cancer cells are created and managed by the body?

Accepted Answer

The body recognizes cancer-causing substances and altered cells as "non-self" and mounts an immune response to attack them.

Quiz 40: Cancer