An older client comes to the outpatient clinic for a routine physical examination and health screening. Which findings does the nurse recognize as possible indications of colorectal cancer? Select all that apply.

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NCLEX® CHANGE AS OF 2017 - Please note that select-all-that-apply (SATA) questions on NCLEX can now include any number of correct responses. Only ONE option or up to ALL options may be correct. UWorld questions now reflect this change. Visit NCSBN® NCLEX FAQs for more information. 11ecbb05_c9c1_e1c0_b433_c5bf80c69d57_MD0009_00 Colorectal cancer occurs most often in adults over age 50. Risk factors include history of colon polyps; family history of colorectal cancer; inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis); and history of other cancers (eg, gastric, ovarian). Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include: Blood in the stool (eg, positive occult blood, melena) from fragile, bleeding polyps or tumors (Option B) Abdominal discomfort and/or mass (not common) (Option A) Anemia due to intestinal bleeding, which may result in fatigue and dyspnea with exertion (Option D) Change in bowel habits (eg, diarrhea, constipation) due to obstruction by polyps or tumors (Option C) Unexplained weight loss due to impaired nutrition from altered intestinal absorption (Option E) Colorectal cancer often goes unnoticed, as many of the symptoms are painless and nonspecific. Clients should be assessed for these symptoms and receive regular routine colorectal cancer screening tests (eg, occult blood test every year, colonoscopy every 10 years). Educational objective: Clients over age 50 should receive routine colorectal cancer screening for symptoms such as blood in the stool, anemia, abdominal discomfort, change in bowel habits, and weight loss. Symptoms result from intestinal polyps or tumors that cause intestinal bleeding, obstruction, and impaired intestinal absorption.

An Older Client Comes to the Outpatient Clinic for a Routine