A nurse is caring for a client who has prostate cancer and has undergone a prostatectomy. Which of the following should the nurse understand as a potential complication of prostate surgery?
Testicular torsion
Erectile dysfunction
Cystitis
Paralytic ileus
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Testicular torsion is a condition where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. It is not a typical complication following a prostatectomy. Testicular torsion is generally an acute condition that affects younger males and is unrelated to prostate surgery.
Choice B reason:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication after prostatectomy. The surgery can damage the nerves and blood vessels that control erections, leading to ED. While nerve-sparing techniques aim to reduce this risk, some degree of erectile dysfunction is still possible after the procedure.
Choice C reason:
Cystitis, which is inflammation of the bladder, can occur after a prostatectomy due to the use of a catheter or as a result of the surgery itself. However, it is not as common or as significant a long-term complication as erectile dysfunction.
Choice D reason:
Paralytic ileus, a temporary cessation of bowel movements, can occur after any abdominal surgery due to the manipulation of the intestines or as a side effect of anesthesia. While it can be a complication of prostatectomy, it is typically resolved within a few days to weeks after surgery.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Blood in the urine (hematuria) or semen (hematospermia) can be a sign of advanced prostate cancer. This symptom occurs when the cancer affects the urinary or reproductive tracts, causing bleeding. It is a direct result of the tumor invading nearby tissues or structures.
Choice B reason:
While anemia can be associated with chronic diseases like cancer, it is not a direct manifestation of the advancing disease process of prostate cancer. Anemia in cancer patients is often multifactorial, including chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or treatment-related side effects.
Choice C reason:
A dark-colored or elevated lesion is not typically associated with prostate cancer. Such lesions are more commonly related to skin cancers or other dermatological conditions.
Choice D reason:
An enlarged liver or gallbladder can be a sign of metastasis in advanced cancer cases, including prostate cancer. However, it is less specific than blood in the urine or semen and can be caused by a variety of other conditions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Skin traction is indeed less restrictive than skeletal traction, allowing for more mobility. It is applied using bandages or adhesive material to the skin, which can be removed or adjusted more easily than the pins or screws used in skeletal traction. This type of traction is typically used for short-term treatment before surgery or when the injury is less severe.
Choice B reason:
Discomfort levels can vary depending on the individual and the specific circumstances of the traction. However, skin traction is generally considered to be less painful than skeletal traction because it is less invasive and applies less force. Skeletal traction, which involves the insertion of pins or wires directly into the bone, is likely to cause more discomfort due to the invasive nature of the procedure.
Choice C reason:
Skeletal traction is more appropriate for reducing fractures, especially in cases where a greater force is needed to align the bones. It involves the surgical insertion of pins or wires directly into the bone, allowing for a stronger and more stable pull that is necessary for the realignment of complex fractures.
Choice D reason:
Skeletal traction carries a higher risk of infection compared to skin traction because it is more invasive. The insertion of pins or wires into the bone creates a potential entry point for bacteria, which can lead to infection at the site of insertion.
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