A nurse is educating a client about a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the client education?
Pancreatic cancers are classified as either endocrine pancreatic cancer or exocrine pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer typically develops from a polyp
The pancreas location increases the risk that cancer will spread into nearby structures and blood vessels
Pancreatic Cancer is distinguished based on the layers of the pancreas.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Pancreatic cancers are indeed classified into two main categories: endocrine (which involves the hormone-producing cells, such as insulin-producing cells, and is much less common) and exocrine (which involves the cells that produce digestive enzymes, and is the more common form, typically referred to as pancreatic adenocarcinoma). However, this option doesn't provide the most relevant information for client education, particularly because the exocrine type is much more common, and the statement is somewhat vague in terms of how it relates to the client's immediate understanding of the condition.
B. Unlike some other cancers (e.g., colorectal cancer), pancreatic cancer does not typically develop from polyps. Most cases of pancreatic cancer develop from the pancreatic ductal cells (the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas), and the disease is typically aggressive and diagnosed at a later stage.
C. The pancreas is located in a central area of the abdomen, near many vital organs such as the liver, stomach, intestines, and large blood vessels. Because of this location, pancreatic cancer has a high tendency to spread to nearby structures such as the liver, stomach, and major blood vessels early in its course. This characteristic often makes pancreatic cancer more difficult to treat and contributes to its poor prognosis.
D. Pancreatic cancer is not distinguished based on layers. Instead, it is generally categorized based on the type of cells it affects (e.g., ductal cells in exocrine pancreatic cancer). The staging of pancreatic cancer is based on factors like tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis, rather than the layers of the pancreas.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A widening pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) can be a sign of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP), but it typically occurs later in the progression of ICP. Early signs of increased ICP are often more subtle and include changes in behavior and consciousness.
B. One of the earliest signs of increased ICP is altered mental status or behavioral changes, such as increasing restlessness or agitation. As pressure builds inside the skull, it affects the brain's ability to function normally, leading to these early signs. Restlessness may indicate that the brain is becoming less able to maintain normal function due to the increasing pressure.
C. A decrease in pulse rate may occur later in the course of increased ICP, particularly with severe increases in pressure. However, early signs typically involve changes in consciousness and mental status rather than changes in vital signs like heart rate.
D. Dilated and fixed pupils are a late sign of increased ICP and usually indicate significant brain herniation or severe neurological compromise. While they are serious and require immediate attention, they do not typically occur at the early stages of increased ICP.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Dysphagia is a common symptom of esophageal cancer itself, not necessarily a sign of liver metastasis. Dysphagia occurs due to the tumor obstructing the esophagus.
B. Jaundice, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and sclera, can indicate liver dysfunction or metastasis to the liver. When cancer spreads to the liver, it can disrupt its normal functioning, leading to an accumulation of bilirubin in the body, causing jaundice.
C. Vomiting can occur in esophageal cancer due to obstruction or in advanced stages of the disease, but it is not a direct sign of metastasis to the liver.
D. Hypercalcemia can occur in some cancers, but it is not a typical manifestation of liver metastasis from esophageal cancer. It is more commonly seen in cancers such as breast, lung, or multiple myeloma.
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