A nurse is teaching a client who has colon cancer about the staging system used to assess the extent of the tumor. The nurse explains that the most commonly used staging system is based on what criteria? (Select all that apply.)
The size and number of primary tumors
The presence or absence of regional lymph node involvement
The presence or absence of distant metastases
The degree of cellular differentiation and resemblance to normal tissue
The level of tumor markers in the blood or other body fluids
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A reason:
The size and number of primary tumors are important criteria for staging cancer, as they indicate the local growth and expansion of the tumor within its site of origin. The larger and more numerous the tumors are, the higher the stage of cancer is.
Choice B reason:
The presence or absence of regional lymph node involvement is another important criterion for staging cancer, as it indicates the spread of the tumor to the nearby lymphatic system. The more lymph nodes are affected, the higher the stage of cancer is.
Choice C reason:
The presence or absence of distant metastases is the most important criterion for staging cancer, as it indicates the spread of the tumor to other parts of the body via blood or lymph. The presence of any distant metastasis usually indicates the highest stage of cancer.
Choice D reason:
The degree of cellular differentiation and resemblance to normal tissue is a criterion for grading cancer, not staging cancer. Grading cancer assesses the severity and aggressiveness of the tumor based on its histologic appearance and behavior.
Choice E reason:
The level of tumor markers in the blood or other body fluids is a criterion for monitoring cancer, not staging cancer. Tumor markers are substances produced by tumor cells or by the body in response to tumor cells that can be detected in laboratory tests. They can help diagnose, prognose, or evaluate the response to treatment of cancer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells by interfering with their DNA synthesis and replication. Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic agents that target rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, and disrupt their cell cycle, DNA repair, or DNA replication mechanisms. This leads to cell death or apoptosis.
Choice B reason:
Radiation therapy kills cancer cells by exposing them to high-energy radiation that damages their DNA. Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation, such as x-rays, gamma rays, or protons, that create free radicals that break DNA strands and cause mutations or chromosomal aberrations in cancer cells.
Choice C reason:
Immunotherapy kills cancer cells by stimulating the immune system to recognize and destroy them. Immunotherapy uses biological agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, vaccines, or adoptive cell transfer, that enhance the immune response against cancer cells or overcome their immune evasion strategies.
Choice D reason:
Hormone therapy kills cancer cells by blocking their hormone receptors and preventing their growth. Hormone therapy uses drugs that either inhibit the production or action of hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone, that stimulate the growth of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D reason:
Metastatic manifestations are signs and symptoms of cancer that result from the spread of the tumor to distant organs or tissues. Lung cancer can metastasize to various sites, such as the brain, bone, liver, or adrenal glands, and cause organ-specific manifestations, such as dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, and weight loss.
Choice A reason:
Local manifestations are signs and symptoms of cancer that result from the growth and expansion of the tumor within its site of origin. Lung cancer can cause local manifestations, such as chest pain, pleural effusion, or atelectasis.
Choice B reason:
Systemic manifestations are signs and symptoms of cancer that result from the effects of the tumor or its treatment on the whole body. Lung cancer can cause systemic manifestations, such as anorexia, cachexia, fatigue, or fever.
Choice C reason:
Paraneoplastic manifestations are signs and symptoms of cancer that result from the production of hormones or other substances by the tumor cells that affect normal body functions. Lung cancer can cause paraneoplastic manifestations, such as hypercalcemia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), or Cushing's syndrome.
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