In educating clients about ovarian cancer the nurse emphasizes death rates for ovarian cancer are high because:
there are no obvious symptoms or problems
radiation therapy is ineffective because the ovaries are located so deep within the pelvis
the causative cancer cell is resistant to chemotherapy or radiation
ovarian cancer occurs primarily among women over age 70 that also have other complicating health problems
Correct Answer : A
A) There are no obvious symptoms or problems: Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it tends to develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they are often vague and nonspecific, such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or changes in bowel habits. By the time ovarian cancer is diagnosed, it is frequently at an advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat effectively. This lack of early, clear symptoms contributes significantly to the high death rate associated with the disease.
B) Radiation therapy is ineffective because the ovaries are located so deep within the pelvis: While ovarian cancer is located deep within the pelvis, radiation therapy can still be effective for certain types of tumors. However, the primary reason for high death rates is not the location of the ovaries, but the late-stage diagnosis and difficulty in detecting the cancer early.
C) The causative cancer cell is resistant to chemotherapy or radiation: While some ovarian cancer cells may exhibit resistance to treatment, this is not the main reason for the high mortality rate. The real issue is the lack of early detection, as ovarian cancer is often diagnosed when it has already spread beyond the ovaries. Early-stage ovarian cancer may be more responsive to treatment, but by the time symptoms are noticeable, the cancer is often advanced, which limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation.
D) Ovarian cancer occurs primarily among women over age 70 that also have other complicating health problems: Although the incidence of ovarian cancer increases with age, particularly after age 60, it is not the primary factor contributing to high death rates. Many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are relatively healthy except for the cancer itself.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Insert an oral airway and suction as needed:
This is generally not the first intervention for impaired glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and vagus nerve (CN X) function. The glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves play a critical role in swallowing, gag reflex, and the ability to protect the airway. While an airway might be necessary in cases of severe dysfunction, withholding food and fluids is a more immediate and specific concern when these cranial nerves are impaired, as it prevents aspiration risk.
B) Withhold oral fluids and food:
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) is involved in taste and swallowing, and the vagus nerve (CN X) is crucial for the motor control of the pharynx and larynx, which are involved in swallowing and protecting the airway. Dysfunction of these nerves can lead to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), increased risk for aspiration, and the inability to protect the airway effectively. Withholding oral fluids and food helps prevent aspiration, a major risk when these nerves are impaired, until further assessment and management can be done.
C) Apply artificial tears to protect the cornea:
While it is important to protect the cornea in patients with cranial nerve dysfunction (specifically the facial nerve, CN VII), this does not directly relate to the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and vagus (CN X) nerves. The glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves affect swallowing and airway protection, not eye lubrication. Applying artificial tears would not address the risk associated with impaired swallowing or airway protection.
D) Speak clearly while facing the patient:
Although speaking clearly and facing the patient might be helpful for communication, especially if the patient has difficulty with speech due to nerve impairment, it does not address the immediate and more critical concern of impaired swallowing and airway protection associated with dysfunction of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. The primary concern is ensuring the patient is not at risk for aspiration while eating or drinking.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Assess the patient's neurological status and repeat vital signs:
In patients with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at T1, autonomic dysreflexia or neurogenic shock can lead to unstable vital signs, including hypotension and bradycardia. The most immediate concern in this scenario is to determine if the patient is experiencing neurogenic shock, which can result from the loss of sympathetic nervous system function below the level of the injury. By assessing the patient’s neurological status (such as checking for changes in motor function, sensation, or level of consciousness) and repeating vital signs, the nurse can gather the necessary data to make informed decisions about further interventions.
B) Ask the patient care tech to check on the patient:
While the patient care tech can assist with tasks, this is not the priority action. The nurse must immediately assess the patient's condition, particularly given the vital sign changes and the potential for a life-threatening situation like neurogenic shock. The nurse's clinical judgment and expertise are required to evaluate the situation appropriately.
C) Place the client in reverse Trendelenburg position:
Placing the patient in reverse Trendelenburg may help with hypotension in certain situations, but it is not the priority intervention for someone with a spinal cord injury at T1. In cases of neurogenic shock or autonomic dysreflexia, positioning alone will not correct the underlying issue.
D) Administer intravenous (IV) fluids to increase cardiac output:
While IV fluids may be necessary to treat hypotension in some situations, the nurse must first assess the patient’s neurological status and repeat vital signs to determine the cause of the hypotension and bradycardia. Administering IV fluids without understanding the underlying cause could be inappropriate or even harmful, particularly if the low blood pressure is related to neurogenic shock, which requires careful management.
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