CH 11 Nursing Care for Cancer patients Med Surg/
Exam Questions with Complete Solutions/ Rated A+
1. What is the defining characteristic of a cancer cell?
a) Limited cell division capacity
b) Contact inhibition
c) Uncontrolled growth
d) Normal cellular metabolism
Correct Answer: c) Uncontrolled growth
Rationale: Cancer cells are characterized by uncontrolled growth
that eventually takes over the function of the affected organ.
Unlike normal cells, which are limited to about 50-60 divisions
before they die, cancer cells do not have a division limit and
continue to grow out of control until destroyed. They also lack
contact inhibition.
2. A neoplasm is best defined as:
a) Normal tissue growth
1
,b) A new growth or tumor
c) An inflammatory response
d) A viral infection
Correct Answer: b) A new growth or tumor
Rationale: Neoplasm means "new growth" and refers to a tumor.
Benign neoplasms are noncancerous clusters that grow slower
than cancer cells, do not alter cells of original tissue, and allow
organs to function normally.
3. Approximately how many cell divisions occur before a normal
cell dies?
a) 10-20 divisions
b) 50-60 divisions
c) 100-150 divisions
d) Unlimited divisions
Correct Answer: b) 50-60 divisions
Rationale: Normal cells are limited to about 50 to 60 divisions
before they die through a process called apoptosis. Cancer cells
2
,do not have this division limit and continue to replicate
indefinitely.
4. Which of the following best describes the difference between
benign and malignant tumors?
a) Benign tumors grow faster
b) Malignant tumors are encapsulated
c) Benign tumors do not invade other tissues
d) Malignant tumors are always fatal
Correct Answer: c) Benign tumors do not invade other tissues
Rationale: Benign tumors grow slowly and tend to be expansive
rather than invasive; they remain localized and are frequently
encapsulated. Malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues and
can metastasize to distant sites.
5. What is the most common route of metastasis in carcinomas?
a) Hematogenous spread
b) Lymphatic spread
3
, c) Direct extension
d) Seeding in body cavities
Correct Answer: b) Lymphatic spread
Rationale: Lymphatic spread is the most common route of
metastasis in carcinomas. Carcinomas typically spread via
lymphatic channels to regional lymph nodes first. Hematogenous
spread is more common in sarcomas.
6. Which of the following is considered a chemical carcinogen?
a) Ultraviolet radiation
b) Human papillomavirus
c) Asbestos
d) X-rays
Correct Answer: c) Asbestos
Rationale: Asbestos is a recognized chemical carcinogen that has
been proven to cause a particularly destructive type of lung
cancer (mesothelioma). Other chemical carcinogens include
aniline dyes, benzene, and vinyl chlorides.
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Exam Questions with Complete Solutions/ Rated A+
1. What is the defining characteristic of a cancer cell?
a) Limited cell division capacity
b) Contact inhibition
c) Uncontrolled growth
d) Normal cellular metabolism
Correct Answer: c) Uncontrolled growth
Rationale: Cancer cells are characterized by uncontrolled growth
that eventually takes over the function of the affected organ.
Unlike normal cells, which are limited to about 50-60 divisions
before they die, cancer cells do not have a division limit and
continue to grow out of control until destroyed. They also lack
contact inhibition.
2. A neoplasm is best defined as:
a) Normal tissue growth
1
,b) A new growth or tumor
c) An inflammatory response
d) A viral infection
Correct Answer: b) A new growth or tumor
Rationale: Neoplasm means "new growth" and refers to a tumor.
Benign neoplasms are noncancerous clusters that grow slower
than cancer cells, do not alter cells of original tissue, and allow
organs to function normally.
3. Approximately how many cell divisions occur before a normal
cell dies?
a) 10-20 divisions
b) 50-60 divisions
c) 100-150 divisions
d) Unlimited divisions
Correct Answer: b) 50-60 divisions
Rationale: Normal cells are limited to about 50 to 60 divisions
before they die through a process called apoptosis. Cancer cells
2
,do not have this division limit and continue to replicate
indefinitely.
4. Which of the following best describes the difference between
benign and malignant tumors?
a) Benign tumors grow faster
b) Malignant tumors are encapsulated
c) Benign tumors do not invade other tissues
d) Malignant tumors are always fatal
Correct Answer: c) Benign tumors do not invade other tissues
Rationale: Benign tumors grow slowly and tend to be expansive
rather than invasive; they remain localized and are frequently
encapsulated. Malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues and
can metastasize to distant sites.
5. What is the most common route of metastasis in carcinomas?
a) Hematogenous spread
b) Lymphatic spread
3
, c) Direct extension
d) Seeding in body cavities
Correct Answer: b) Lymphatic spread
Rationale: Lymphatic spread is the most common route of
metastasis in carcinomas. Carcinomas typically spread via
lymphatic channels to regional lymph nodes first. Hematogenous
spread is more common in sarcomas.
6. Which of the following is considered a chemical carcinogen?
a) Ultraviolet radiation
b) Human papillomavirus
c) Asbestos
d) X-rays
Correct Answer: c) Asbestos
Rationale: Asbestos is a recognized chemical carcinogen that has
been proven to cause a particularly destructive type of lung
cancer (mesothelioma). Other chemical carcinogens include
aniline dyes, benzene, and vinyl chlorides.
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