During review of a client's history, the nurse notes that a goiter is present. Which statement best describes a goiter?

Choice A reason: Colon cancer is the most likely disorder that the client is at risk to develop because it is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine, which is the part of the digestive tract that absorbs water and forms stool. Colon cancer can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, diet, or inflammation. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers and inflammation in the inner lining of the colon and rectum, which are the last parts of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of colon cancer by causing DNA damage and abnormal cell growth in the colon.

Choice B reason: Crohn disease is not the most likely disorder that the client is at risk to develop because it is a different type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and damage in any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn disease can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, immune system, or bacteria. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease have some similar symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or weight loss, but they are not the same condition and do not increase the risk of each other.

Choice C reason: Lactase deficiency is not the most likely disorder that the client is at risk to develop because it is a condition where the body does not produce enough lactase, which is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, which is a sugar that is found in milk and dairy products. Lactase deficiency can cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea after consuming lactose. Lactase deficiency can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, age, or intestinal injury. Ulcerative colitis does not affect the production of lactase, but it can cause lactose intolerance, which is a condition where the body cannot digest lactose properly due to the inflammation and damage of the colon.

Choice D reason: Irritable bowel syndrome is not the most likely disorder that the client is at risk to develop because it is a functional disorder that affects the movement and sensitivity of the bowel, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, or constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, food, or hormones. Irritable bowel syndrome does not cause inflammation or damage to the bowel, unlike ulcerative colitis, and it does not increase the risk of colon cancer.

Choice A reason: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not the correct answer because it is a type of cancer that affects the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that are part of the immune system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not have Reed-Sternberg cells, which are abnormal, large, and multinucleated cells that are characteristic of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Choice B reason: Multiple myeloma is not the correct answer because it is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells, which are a type of lymphocyte that produce antibodies. Multiple myeloma does not have Reed-Sternberg cells, but it can have abnormal plasma cells that are called myeloma cells.

Choice C reason: Hodgkin lymphoma is the correct answer because it is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is a network of organs, tissues, and vessels that help fight infections and diseases. Hodgkin lymphoma has Reed-Sternberg cells, which are the hallmark of this disease. Reed-Sternberg cells are thought to be derived from B lymphocytes, which are a type of lymphocyte that produce antibodies.

Choice D reason: Acute lymphocytic leukemia is not the correct answer because it is a type of cancer that affects the immature lymphocytes, which are called lymphoblasts. Acute lymphocytic leukemia does not have Reed-Sternberg cells, but it can have abnormal lymphoblasts that are called leukemic cells.