Author Question: The patient has lung cancer and voices concerns about cancer treatments affecting sexuality. What is ... (Read 41 times)

karlynnae · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The patient has lung cancer and voices concerns about cancer treatments affecting sexuality. What is the nurse's best reply?

a. That is something to ask the health care provider.
b. Chemotherapy will work in the lungs and should have no effect on sexuality.
c. How cancer treatment affects sexuality depends on how active you are and your age.
d. Sexual changes are common with cancer therapy. Let me get someone who can answer your questions.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cancer. The patient asks the nurse about the value of cancer screening when therapy is over. What is the nurse's best response?

a. It should be done on an ongoing schedule.
b. It is not something that should be discussed right now.
c. It probably will not be needed since the cancer has been cured.
d. It usually is not done but can be done if the patient wants peace of mind.

marict · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Cancer therapies have the potential to cause fatigue, apathy, nausea, vomiting, malaise, and sleep disturbances, all of which interfere with a patient's sexual functioning. It helps if the nurse can develop a comfort level in acknowledging with patients that sexual changes are common at any age level. When patients begin to discuss their sexuality, be familiar with the expert resources in your institution (e.g., psychologist, social worker) available for patient referral. The issue should not be pushed onto the health care provider.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Because survivors are at increased risk for developing a second cancer and/or chronic illness, it is important to educate them about lifestyle behaviors and the importance of participating in ongoing cancer screening and early detection practices. Lifelong cancer screening provides the opportunity to identify new cancers in early stages. Cancer screening should be discussed and should be done even if the cancer is cured.