The nurse is caring for a woman with a family history of breast cancer who received a positive result on a breast tumor marker test.
The patient is requesting a bilateral mastectomy.
This is an example of which type of oncologic treatment?
Diagnostic surgery.
Palliative surgery.
Prophylactic surgery.
Reconstructive surgery.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Diagnostic surgery involves procedures done to confirm a diagnosis, such as a biopsy. In this case, the patient has already received a positive result on a breast tumor marker test, so the purpose of surgery is not to diagnose but to prevent the development of breast cancer.
Choice B rationale
Palliative surgery is performed to relieve symptoms or improve quality of life in patients with serious illnesses, often in advanced stages of cancer. The patient’s request for a bilateral mastectomy is not intended to alleviate symptoms but rather to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
Choice C rationale
Prophylactic surgery is performed to reduce the risk of cancer in patients with a high predisposition to certain cancers, such as those with a family history or genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. The patient’s request for a bilateral mastectomy falls into this category, as it aims to prevent the potential future development of breast cancer.
Choice D rationale
Reconstructive surgery is performed to restore the appearance or function of body parts after trauma, surgery, or congenital defects. While patients undergoing mastectomies may later opt for reconstructive surgery to restore breast appearance, the patient’s current request for a bilateral mastectomy is to proactively prevent breast cancer, not for reconstruction purposes. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chemotherapy and radiation can significantly affect fertility. It would be incorrect to reassure the patient that these treatments will not impact her ability to become pregnant, as these treatments often reduce fertility or cause temporary or permanent infertility.
Choice B rationale
Discussing fertility counseling and contraception options allows the patient to make informed decisions about her reproductive health. Fertility preservation methods, such as egg or embryo freezing, can be considered before starting treatment. This approach respects the patient's desire to become pregnant while acknowledging the impact of cancer treatment.
Choice C rationale
Referring the patient to a social worker for pregnancy surrogacy is premature and not directly addressing the patient's immediate concerns about fertility and treatment. Fertility counseling is a more appropriate initial step.
Choice D rationale
Delaying treatment for cancer to allow for pregnancy can have severe negative impacts on the patient's prognosis and is not advised. Immediate treatment is crucial to control the disease and improve survival chances.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Scheduling colonoscopy screening beginning at age 45 is an example of secondary prevention, which focuses on early detection of diseases in asymptomatic individuals. By identifying precancerous polyps or early-stage colorectal cancer, healthcare providers can intervene earlier, improving outcomes and reducing mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring for signs of secondary malignancies is a part of tertiary prevention, which aims to manage and prevent complications in patients who already have a disease. It does not fit the criteria for secondary prevention, which focuses on early detection before symptoms appear.
Choice C rationale
Reducing consumption of processed meat and alcohol is a primary prevention strategy, aiming to lower the risk of developing cancer in the first place. Primary prevention focuses on preventing the onset of disease through lifestyle and environmental changes, rather than early detection and intervention.
Choice D rationale
Avoiding ultraviolet radiation with the use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing is also a primary prevention strategy. It aims to prevent skin cancer by reducing exposure to harmful UV rays, thereby lowering the risk of developing cancer from sun damage. .
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