Author Question: A patient with cancer is admitted with a weight loss of 25 lbs. over the last month with progressive ... (Read 37 times)

james · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient with cancer is admitted with a weight loss of 25 lbs. over the last month with progressive anorexia. The nurse suspects this patient is experiencing what physiological effect of cancer?

1. anorexiacachexia syndrome
2. paraneoplastic syndrome
3. infection
4. esophageal obstruction

Question 2

The nurse is explaining the characteristics of malignant cells to a group of patients. Which patient statement indicates a good understanding of the information?

1. The work of malignant cells is simpler than that of normal cells.
2. Malignant cells continue to perform cellular functions.
3. Malignant cells can reverse into benign cells if treated promptly.
4. Malignant cells rarely break away from the primary tissue site and travel to other locations.

sailorcrescent · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The anorexiacachexia syndrome is specific to cancer because of the effect of cancer cells on the host's metabolism. The neoplastic cells divert nutrition to their own use while causing changes that reduce the patient's appetite. Early in the disease, glucose metabolism is altered, causing an increase in serum glucose levels. The tumor also secretes substances that decrease appetite by altering taste and smell and producing early satiety. Paraneoplastic syndromes are indirect effects of cancer. They may be early warning signs of cancer or indicate complications or return of a malignancy. An infection caused by cancer does not lead to anorexia. Esophageal obstruction is not a specific physiological effect of cancer.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Simplified metabolic activities are a characteristic of malignant cells. The work of malignant cells is simpler than that of normal cells. Malignant cells loose specialization and differentiation. Malignant cells do not perform typical cellular functions. The transformation into a malignant cell is irreversible. Rarely does a malignant neoplasm revert to a benign state. Transplantability is another characteristic of malignant cells. Malignant cells often break away from the primary tissue site and travel to other locations in the body.