all of the following are warning signs of cancer except

ATI RN

Oncology Questions

1. All of the following are warning signs of cancer except:

A. Patient palpates a bump on the side of the breast
B. Bruises are found on the body that the client cannot explain
C. Patient often complains of impaired digestion
D. Patient has blood-tinged sputum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Blood-tinged sputum is not a typical warning sign of cancer but rather a symptom that can indicate other serious conditions like respiratory issues or infections. Choices A, B, and C are common warning signs of cancer: palpable lumps or bumps, unexplained bruises, and persistent digestive issues are often associated with cancer and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for further assessment and diagnosis.

2. The clinic nurse is caring for a patient whose grandmother and sister have both had breast cancer. She requested a screening test to determine her risk of developing breast cancer and it has come back positive. The patient asks you what she can do to help prevent breast cancer from occurring. What would be your best response?

A. Research has shown that eating a healthy diet can provide all the protection you need against breast cancer.
B. Research has shown that taking the drug tamoxifen can reduce your chance of breast cancer.
C. Research has shown that exercising at least 30 minutes every day can reduce your chance of breast cancer.
D. Research has shown that there is little you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer if you have a genetic predisposition.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who are at high risk, particularly those with a family history of the disease or a positive genetic test for BRCA mutations. Large-scale studies have demonstrated that tamoxifen can reduce the incidence of breast cancer by up to 50% in high-risk women. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue, which helps prevent the development of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers.

3. Which of the following is considered correct in dealing with a patient who has gastric cancer?

A. After total gastrectomy, patient will have to increase fluids during meals
B. After total gastrectomy, patient will need lots of fiber in the diet
C. After total gastrectomy, patient will have to walk about after meals
D. After total gastrectomy, patient will have to lie flat on bed after meals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a total gastrectomy, where the entire stomach is removed, patients can experience dumping syndrome due to the rapid passage of food into the small intestine. This condition can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Lying flat after meals can help slow down the movement of food into the intestines, reducing the risk of dumping syndrome. It's important for patients to follow dietary recommendations and positioning strategies to manage symptoms effectively.

4. A client with long-standing heart failure being treated for cancer has received a dose of ondansetron for nausea. What action by the nurse is most important?

A. Assess the client for a headache or dizziness.
B. Request a prescription for cardiac monitoring.
C. Instruct the client to change positions slowly.
D. Weigh the client daily before eating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ondansetron can prolong the QT interval, making cardiac monitoring essential in this scenario.

5. A patient admitted with cancer asks the nurse about the difference between chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Which of the following responses by the nurse indicates a need for further teaching?

A. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells
B. Radiation therapy can be internal or external
C. Radiation therapy is often external
D. Chemotherapy is more likely to kill normal cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: While chemotherapy does affect normal, healthy cells—particularly those that divide rapidly—it is not "more likely" to kill normal cells compared to cancer cells. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancer cells and some normal cells (like those in hair follicles, the gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow). However, its primary goal is to kill cancer cells, and its effects on normal cells are a side effect, not the main function. Therefore, the statement that chemotherapy is "more likely" to kill normal cells is inaccurate and indicates a need for further teaching.