A nurse is screening clients at a community health event. Which of the following client statements should the nurse recognize as a warning sign of cancer? Select all that apply.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cancer is a growth of abnormal cells in an organ system that may impair the organ's function and spread throughout the body. Many cancers are invasive and life threatening if allowed to reach late stages of development. However, cancer is often difficult to identify early as the client may be asymptomatic or have only vague symptoms. Nurses should screen clients for and immediately report warning signs of cancer, which can be remembered with the mnemonic CAUTION: Change in bowel or bladder habits (Option E) A sore that does not heal Unusual bleeding or discharge from a body orifice Thickening or a lump in the breast or elsewhere (Option C) Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing that does not go away Obvious change in a wart or mole (Option D) Nagging cough or hoarseness (Option A) A productive cough that is annual and seasonal, particularly occurring in the winter, may indicate chronic bronchitis. The nagging cough found in clients with lung cancer is persistent, rather than seasonal. (Option B) A client report of occasional indigestion after specific triggers (eg, high-fat or spicy food, caffeine) may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, indigestion that is persistent or chronic indigestion may indicate cancer. Educational objective: Warning signs of cancer for nurses to monitor include change in bowel or bladder habits, a sore that does not heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or a lump in the breast or elsewhere, indigestion or difficulty swallowing, any obvious change in a wart or mole, and nagging cough or hoarseness (mnemonic: CAUTION).

A Nurse Is Screening Clients at a Community Health Event