A client with prostate cancer reports new-onset back pain.
What is the nurse's priority action?
Encourage bed rest.
Recommend increased physical activity.
Assess for signs of spinal cord compression.
Provide pain medication.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Encouraging bed rest without a thorough assessment could exacerbate complications, as prolonged immobility can lead to muscle atrophy, deep vein thrombosis, and pressure injuries. While rest may be part of a care plan, it is not the initial priority when a serious neurological complication is suspected.
Choice B rationale
Recommending increased physical activity without a definitive diagnosis or understanding of the cause of the back pain could be detrimental. If the pain is due to spinal cord compression, physical activity could worsen the compression, leading to irreversible neurological damage and further compromising mobility.
Choice C rationale
Prostate cancer frequently metastasizes to bone, particularly the spine. New-onset back pain in this context raises immediate concern for spinal cord compression, a oncologic emergency. Prompt assessment is crucial to identify neurological deficits, which, if untreated, can lead to permanent paralysis due to nerve damage.
Choice D rationale
While pain medication is important for comfort, it addresses the symptom without identifying the underlying cause. Administering analgesics without assessing for spinal cord compression could mask critical neurological signs, delaying necessary intervention and potentially leading to irreversible neurological deficits and worsening patient outcomes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Fresh vegetables are generally healthy, but for cancer patients experiencing weight loss, their high water content and lower caloric density may not provide sufficient energy and nutrients to counteract cachexia effectively. The priority for these patients is often calorie and protein-dense options.
Choice B rationale
Peanut butter is an excellent source of concentrated calories, protein, and healthy fats, making it a highly beneficial food for individuals experiencing cancer-related weight loss. Its nutritional density helps to provide sustained energy and supports muscle mass preservation, combating cachexia effectively.
Choice C rationale
Whole milk is rich in calories, protein, and fat, providing a significant energy boost essential for combating weight loss in cancer patients. Its nutritional profile contributes to maintaining body weight and muscle mass, which are crucial for improving overall strength and treatment tolerance.
Choice D rationale
High-protein shakes are specifically formulated to deliver concentrated amounts of protein and calories, making them ideal for individuals with cancer-related weight loss. These supplements provide essential amino acids for tissue repair and maintenance, supporting nutritional status and preventing further muscle wasting.
Choice E rationale
While french fries are high in calories, they are typically low in essential nutrients and high in unhealthy fats. Their consumption may contribute to weight gain but often lacks the comprehensive nutritional profile required to support recovery and combat muscle wasting in cancer patients effectively.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While breast cancer can metastasize to the skin, it is not the most common site. Skin metastases typically present as nodules or inflammatory changes and represent a less frequent pattern of dissemination compared to visceral or bony sites.
Choice B rationale
The lungs are a common site for breast cancer metastasis, often manifesting as pulmonary nodules or effusions. However, while significant, lung involvement is frequently accompanied by or preceded by metastasis to other prevalent sites.
Choice C rationale
The liver is another frequent site for breast cancer metastasis, leading to hepatic dysfunction and associated symptoms. While liver metastases are serious and common, they are still outranked by bone involvement as the most prevalent site.
Choice D rationale
Bones are the most common site for distant metastasis of breast cancer. This predilection is due to various factors, including the rich vascular supply of bone marrow and specific molecular interactions between breast cancer cells and the bone microenvironment, leading to bone pain and fractures.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.