Download Medical ethics notes 3 and more Study notes Medical ethics in PDF only on Docsity!
Unit 10: Cancer Study Questions - Answer Key
Prepared for Sha'nae Brooks
1. What is the difference between a primary tumor and a secondary tumor?
A primary tumor is the original cancer site where the cancer first starts. A secondary tumor is cancer that has spread from the primary site to another part of the body, also called metastasis.
2. List 4 etiologies for cancer.
Genetic mutations/family history; chemical exposure such as tobacco or asbestos; radiation or ultraviolet light exposure; viruses/infections such as HPV, hepatitis B/C, or Epstein-Barr virus.
3. List the 5 strategies for primary prevention of cancer.
Avoid tobacco; limit alcohol; eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight; exercise regularly; protect skin from UV exposure and receive recommended vaccines such as HPV and hepatitis B.
4. List the 3 strategies for secondary prevention of cancer.
Routine screening tests; self-exams and awareness of body changes; early evaluation and treatment of abnormal findings.
5. What are the 7 warning signs of cancer?
CAUTION: Change in bowel or bladder habits; A sore that does not heal; Unusual bleeding or discharge; Thickening or lump; Indigestion or difficulty swallowing; Obvious change in wart or mole; Nagging cough or hoarseness.
6. List 3 dietary habits to help reduce cancer risk.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; limit red and processed meats; limit high-fat, high-sugar, and highly processed foods.
7. What is the difference between internal and external radiation treatment?
External radiation is delivered from a machine outside the body toward the cancer area. Internal radiation places a radioactive source inside or close to the tumor.
8. What is the other name for brachytherapy?
Internal radiation therapy, also called implant radiation.
9. What are the 3 most important best practices for caring for a patient with sealed implants of
radioactive sources?
Time, distance, and shielding: limit time in the room, keep distance from the source when possible, and use shielding such as a lead apron as directed.
10. What are the 3 top teaching points for skin protection during radiation therapy?
Wash the area gently with mild soap and lukewarm water; do not apply lotions, powders, deodorants, or ointments unless prescribed; protect the area from sun, heat, cold, tight clothing, and rubbing.
11. What is the role of RNs when caring for someone receiving chemotherapy?
The RN monitors for adverse effects, checks labs, protects the patient from infection and bleeding, manages nausea/pain/fatigue, teaches safety precautions, and reports complications such as fever, extravasation, or allergic reaction.
12. What are 3 most important side effects of a patient receiving chemotherapy?
Myelosuppression/infection risk, nausea and vomiting, and mucositis or mouth sores. Other common effects include fatigue, alopecia, and bleeding risk.
13. What are the 3 most important best practices when caring for a patient with myelosuppression
and neutropenia?
Monitor temperature and signs of infection; use strict hand hygiene and neutropenic precautions; avoid sick visitors, crowds, fresh flowers/plants, and raw or undercooked foods.
14. When teaching a patient about the risk of infection, what would be 3 top teaching points on how
to prevent infection?
Wash hands often; avoid crowds and people who are sick; report fever, chills, sore throat, cough, burning with urination, or any new redness/drainage right away.
15. Name 3 top best practices for prevention of injury for the patient with thrombocytopenia.
Institute bleeding precautions, avoid IM injections/rectal temperatures when possible, and monitor for bleeding such as petechiae, bruising, hematuria, or bleeding gums.
16. Name 3 teaching points on how to prevent injury or bleeding.
Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor; avoid aspirin/NSAIDs unless prescribed; prevent falls and avoid contact sports, sharp objects, and straining with bowel movements.
17. What were the 2 items explained in the lecture that you would look for when assessing a skin
lesion for possible cancer?
Use ABCDE changes and the ugly duckling sign. ABCDE means asymmetry, border irregularity, color changes, diameter greater than about 6 mm, and evolving/changing lesion.
18. Name the top 3 teaching points on the prevention of skin cancer.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen; avoid tanning beds and peak sun exposure; wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
19. What is the primary prevention for skin cancer?
Prevent UV damage by avoiding tanning beds, limiting sun exposure, using sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing.
20. What is the secondary prevention for skin cancer?
Early detection through routine skin self-exams, provider skin checks, and biopsy/evaluation of suspicious lesions.
21. What are the 2 major risk factors for head and neck cancer?
Tobacco use and alcohol use, especially when used together.
22. List 5 warning signs of head and neck cancer.
Persistent mouth sore; lump in the neck; difficulty swallowing; persistent hoarseness or voice change; unexplained bleeding, pain, or ear pain.
23. With post-operative care for head and neck what are the 5 items that nurses will assess and
continually monitor?
Airway/respiratory status, bleeding/hemorrhage, swelling or flap/graft perfusion, pain, and ability to swallow/nutrition/hydration.
24. List 5 etiologies for lung cancer.
Cigarette smoking; secondhand smoke; radon exposure; asbestos or occupational chemical exposure; air pollution or prior lung disease/family history.
25. What is the primary and secondary prevention for lung cancer?
Primary prevention: do not smoke, stop smoking, avoid secondhand smoke, and reduce radon/occupational exposures. Secondary prevention: screening with low-dose CT for high-risk adults and prompt evaluation of
