A client diagnosed with prostate cancer asks the nurse the importance of the prostate specific antigen (PSA). The nurse explains to the client that the PSA:
is effective in diagnosing other male cancers
is decreased in the presence of cancer
is a screening tool for prostate cancer
is used as a definitive diagnosis for prostate cancer
The Correct Answer is C
A. PSA is primarily associated with prostate health and is not an effective marker for diagnosing other male cancers. While elevated PSA levels can sometimes indicate issues related to the prostate, they are not used for diagnosing other types of cancer.
B. In fact, PSA levels are usually increased in the presence of prostate cancer. While there can be some conditions that lead to a decrease in PSA levels, cancer itself typically raises PSA levels.
C. PSA is commonly used as a screening tool for prostate cancer. Elevated PSA levels may prompt further investigation, including biopsies, to determine if cancer is present. However, it’s important to note that elevated PSA can also occur due to benign conditions like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
D. While PSA levels can indicate the possibility of prostate cancer, they do not provide a definitive diagnosis. A diagnosis of prostate cancer typically requires further testing, such as a prostate biopsy, to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A mass in the mediastinum can compress the trachea or major blood vessels, leading to shortness of breath, particularly when the patient is in a supine position (lying flat). This symptom is indicative of significant obstruction or compression, making it a key sign.
B. While lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes) is a hallmark of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it does not specifically indicate the presence of a mediastinal mass. Lymph nodes can swell throughout the body, including cervical, axillary, and inguinal regions, but this symptom is more general and not exclusive to mediastinal involvement.
C. Low-grade fevers can occur in Hodgkin's Lymphoma due to systemic effects of the cancer, such as cytokine release. However, this symptom is nonspecific and does not directly indicate a mediastinal mass. It is more indicative of the body's response to cancer rather than localized effects.
D. Drenching night sweats are another common systemic symptom associated with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Like low-grade fevers, night sweats are part of the B symptoms that can occur with lymphoma but are not specifically indicative of a mediastinal mass.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. One of the most common and concerning symptoms of uterine (endometrial) cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly postmenopausal bleeding. Any bleeding after menopause is considered abnormal and can be an indicator of uterine cancer, warranting further investigation.
B. While a malodorous vaginal discharge can occur due to infections or other gynecological issues, it is not a primary symptom of uterine cancer. Uterine cancer more commonly presents with bleeding rather than discharge.
C. While some women with advanced uterine cancer may experience pelvic pain or pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), this symptom is not as characteristic or early in the disease process. It is more associated with conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
D. This is not a typical manifestation of uterine cancer. While vulvar swelling may be seen in cases of vulvar cancer or infections, it is not a common symptom associated with uterine cancer specifically. Symptoms related to uterine cancer primarily focus on abnormal bleeding.
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