The school nurse is teaching a group of clients about how tobacco smoke causes lung cancer. Which pathophysiological process supports the risk of cancer from smoking?
Vasoconstrictive properties of nicotine reduce oxygenation and stimulate metabolism.
Drug addiction changes the neurochemical messages in the brain causing cravings.
Carcinogenic agents in tobacco alter cellular cytology, morphology, and function of the lung.
Risk for comorbidities increase incidence of chronic diseases and decrease longevity.
The Correct Answer is C
Smoking is a well-established risk factor for lung cancer, and the pathophysiological process underlying this association involves the exposure of the lungs to carcinogenic agents present in tobacco smoke. Here's why option C is the correct choice:
A) Vasoconstrictive properties of nicotine reduce oxygenation and stimulate metabolism:
While nicotine is a primary addictive component of tobacco smoke and can lead to vasoconstriction, reduced oxygenation, and increased metabolism, these effects primarily contribute to cardiovascular diseases associated with smoking, such as coronary artery disease and stroke, rather than the development of lung cancer.
B) Drug addiction changes the neurochemical messages in the brain causing cravings:
This statement addresses the addictive nature of nicotine and its impact on neurochemistry, leading to cravings and dependence. While addiction is a significant aspect of tobacco use, it does not directly explain the pathophysiological process by which smoking causes lung cancer.
C) Carcinogenic agents in tobacco alter cellular cytology, morphology, and function of the lung:
Correct. Tobacco smoke contains numerous carcinogenic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrosamines, and benzene, which can directly damage the DNA of lung cells. This DNA damage can lead to mutations and alterations in cellular cytology, morphology, and function, ultimately contributing to the development of lung cancer.
D) Risk for comorbidities increase incidence of chronic diseases and decrease longevity:
While smoking is associated with an increased risk of various comorbidities and chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and certain cancers, this option does not specifically address the pathophysiological process of lung cancer development.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Blockage of retinal capillaries causing ischemic damage of the central macular area:
Correct. Blurry central vision that worsens over time can be indicative of macular ischemia, often caused by blockage of retinal capillaries leading to ischemic damage of the central macular area. This condition can occur in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion.
B) Opaque spoke-like lines developing in the periphery of the lens to the center:
This description is more characteristic of cataracts, which cause visual disturbances such as glare or halos around lights rather than blurry central vision.
C) Tears in the retina that detach from the lining of the posterior eyeball:
Retinal tears and subsequent detachment can cause visual disturbances, but they typically present as sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, and a curtain-like shadow over the visual field rather than blurry central vision.
D) An increase in intraocular pressure with loss of peripheral vision:
This description is indicative of glaucoma, which can lead to loss of peripheral vision (visual field defects) rather than blurry central vision. Glaucoma-related visual field loss usually begins peripherally and progresses inward, affecting central vision in later stages.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Increased preload that results in generalized peripheral edema:
This statement is incorrect. Decreased blood volume due to hemorrhage leads to decreased preload, not increased preload. Generalized peripheral edema is more commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure or kidney disease, where fluid retention leads to increased preload.
B) The lowered blood pressure results in a reduction of the heart rate:
While it's true that a decrease in blood pressure can trigger compensatory mechanisms such as an increase in heart rate (tachycardia), the specific response mentioned in this option is not entirely accurate. The primary compensatory response to hemorrhage-induced hypotension is typically an increase in heart rate, not a reduction.
C) Decreased preload that can lead to decreased cardiac output:
Correct. With decreased blood volume (preload), there is less blood returning to the heart during diastole. This leads to decreased ventricular filling and subsequently decreased stroke volume and cardiac output. Decreased cardiac output can contribute to hypotension and inadequate tissue perfusion.
D) Increased peripheral resistance resulting from poor renal perfusion:
While poor renal perfusion can trigger mechanisms to increase peripheral resistance (such as activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system), this option does not directly address the primary effect of decreased preload on cardiac output. Increased peripheral resistance alone does not adequately compensate for decreased preload to maintain cardiac output.
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