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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Generalized urticaria, or hives, is not a common side effect of radiation therapy for lung cancer. While skin reactions can occur, they are usually localized to the area being treated. Urticaria might be a sign of an allergic reaction, which would require immediate attention, but it is not typically associated with radiation therapy¹.
Choice B reason:
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the radiation field includes salivary glands. For lung cancer patients, if the radiation field is near the neck or upper chest, it could potentially affect salivary gland function. Monitoring for xerostomia is important because it can lead to difficulties in speaking, eating, and swallowing, and it increases the risk for dental problems².
Choice C reason:
While reviewing laboratory test results for low hemoglobin is an important part of nursing care, it is not specific to radiation therapy for lung cancer. Low hemoglobin could be related to the cancer itself or a side effect of other treatments like chemotherapy. It is important to monitor, but not the primary action related to radiation therapy³.
Choice D reason:
Observing for signs of infection is a general nursing responsibility for all patients, not specific to those receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer. However, if the patient's immune system is compromised due to the cancer or other treatments, vigilance for infection is heightened.
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