A patient's carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level was initially16 ng/mL. The current level is 6 ng/mL. How would the nurse evaluate this change?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decrease in CEA level from 16 ng/mL to 6 ng/mL indicates a positive response to treatment, suggesting that the patient's cancer treatment is effective. Choice B can be excluded because a more aggressive treatment regimen is not necessarily warranted when CEA levels are decreasing. Choice C can be excluded because a new cancer site would likely result in an increase in CEA level. Choice D can be excluded because a CEA level of 6 ng/mL does not necessarily indicate that the cancer is gone.

A Patient's Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Level Was Initially16 Ng/mL