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A patient is suspected to have mediastinal involvement and lymph node enlargement related to
a diagnosis of lung cancer. For which diagnostic procedure does the nurse prepare the patient
that is most appropriate in confirming this suspicion?
A. X-ray
B. Bronchoscopy
C. Sputum cytology
D. Computerized tomography (CT) scan Answer: X-ray
Rationale: An x-ray will help to identify a lung mass or infiltrate. An x-ray is also beneficial in
identifying metastasis to the ribs and vertebrae. A bronchoscopy is used to visualize the inside
of the airways. Sputum cytology is used to identify malignant cells in the sputum. CT scans help
to identify any mediastinal involvement and lymph node enlargement.
When assessing a patient with lung cancer, the nurse finds that the patient has unilateral
paralysis of the diaphragm. What does the nurse interpret from this finding?
A. The patient has a tumor with lymph node involvement.
B. The patient has a tumor with mediastinum involvement.
C. The patient has a tumor with laryngeal nerve involvement.
D. The patient has a tumor with intrathoracic region involvement. Answer: The patient has a
tumor with intrathoracic region involvement.
Rationale: Intrathoracic spread of a malignant tumor will result in unilateral paralysis of the
diaphragm. A patient with stage IIIA lung cancer will have a tumor with regional lymph node
involvement. A patient with a malignant tumor that has spread to the mediastinum will have
cardiac tamponade and pleural effusion. If the tumor has spread to the laryngeal nerve, the
patient may experience hoarseness.
What modality of annual screening is recommended for those ages 55 to 80 years old with a
history of a 30-pack per year smoking history, who currently smoke, or who quit less than 15
years ago?
,A. Chest x-ray
B. Sputum cytologic studies
C. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
D. Low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan Answer: Low-dose computed tomography
(CT) scan
Rationale: A low-dose CT scan is typically used for screening high-risk patients. A chest x-ray is a
diagnostic test, not a screening tool. Sputum cytologic studies can identify malignant cells but
are rarely used in diagnosing because malignant cells are not always present. An MRI is done to
evaluate the cancer and is not used as a screening tool.
A patient has paraneoplastic syndrome. What type of lung cancer does the patient have?
A. Adenocarcinoma
B. Large cell carcinoma
C. Small cell carcinoma
D. Squamous cell carcinoma Answer: Small cell carcinoma
Rationale: Small cell carcinoma is a type of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that is often associated
with paraneoplastic syndrome. Adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and squamous cell
carcinoma are non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). NSCLC is not associated with paraneoplastic
syndrome.
The nurse is providing a community program about lung cancer. What risk factor should the
nurse be sure to include when discussing this topic?
A. Age of smoking onset
B. Use of filtered cigarettes
C. Prolonged exposure to nickel
D. Number of cigarettes smoked per day Answer: Age of smoking onset
Rationale: Age of smoking onset is the directly related risk of lung cancer. Use of filtered
cigarettes, number of cigarettes per day, and prolonged exposure to nickel may not be directly
related.
, A patient with non-small cell lung cancer is having symptoms such as wheezing, dyspnea, and
respiratory insufficiency. What are the most appropriate interventions for which the nurse
should prepare the patient? Select all that apply.
A. Airway stenting
B. Photodynamic therapy
C. Radiofrequency ablation
D. Chemotherapy treatment
E. Bronchoscopic laser surgery Answer: Airway stenting, Photodynamic therapy, and
Bronchoscopic laser surgery
Rationale: Airway stenting is used to relieve coughing and dyspnea. Photodynamic therapy is
used to remove lesions obstructing the airway and can relieve wheezing and dyspnea.
Bronchoscopic laser surgery aims to remove the obstructing bronchial lesions, thereby relieving
the symptoms of airway obstruction. Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat non-small cell
lung tumors that are near the outer edge of the lungs. Chemotherapy is used to treat
nonresectable tumors, or as an adjuvant therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
A patient is diagnosed with intrathoracic metastasis from lung cancer. What clinical
manifestation assessed by the nurse is related to this diagnosis?
A. Anorexia
B. Dysphagia
C. Hoarseness
D. Persistent cough Answer: Dysphagia
Rationale: An intrathoracic spread of malignancy in patients with lung cancer may cause
dysphagia. Anorexia is a nonspecific systemic symptom of lung cancer. Laryngeal nerve
involvement may cause hoarseness. A persistent cough is one of the most common and first
symptoms of lung cancer
A patient with lung cancer is scheduled for surgery. What should the nurse assess to determine
the patient's ability to withstand surgery?