Author Question: A client is diagnosed with a small lipoma on his arm and is being discharged from the clinic. The ... (Read 55 times)

AEWBW · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client is diagnosed with a small lipoma on his arm and is being discharged from the clinic. The client says, I have a tumor, but I am not being treated with anything. I don't understand. How should the nurse respond?

1. I am supposed to make an appointment for you to see the oncologist who will recommend treatment.
2. Lipomas are benign and usually do not require treatment.
3. Lipomas grow slowly and are not cancerous.
4. Lipomas do not metastasize and are not cancer.
5. The physician will consult with a surgeon and will contact you later.

Question 2

A client with pancreatic cancer is receiving chemotherapy even though prognosis is grim. How does the nurse explain the rationale for this treatment?

1. It is a long shot, but maybe the chemotherapy will cure him.
2. Sometimes the chemotherapy can reduce the size of the tumor.
3. We just hate to give up on him. He is such a nice man.
4. Chemotherapy can sometimes reduce the pain.
5. Hopefully the chemotherapy will improve his quality of life.

leeeep · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2,3,4
Rationale 1: There is no indication for seeing an oncologist.
Rationale 2: A lipoma is a fatty tumor and is benign. They do not require treatment unless they are positioned where they are easily irritated or injured. If so, simple removal generally suffices.
Rationale 3: Lipomas are benign and grow slowly.
Rationale 4: Lipomas are benign and therefore do not metastasize.
Rationale 5: There is no reason for a surgical consultation.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2,4,5
Rationale 1: If the client has a grim prognosis related to pancreatic cancer, it is not ethical to give the family false hope.
Rationale 2: Chemotherapy is sometimes given to reduce tumor size and help to reduce problems associated with the pressure the tumor is exerting on adjacent structures.
Rationale 3: Use of the term give up on him is not therapeutic. It may confuse the family when it comes time to discontinue the chemotherapy.
Rationale 4: Pain reduction is a common reason for administering chemotherapy to a client with a poor prognosis.
Rationale 5: The reason palliative chemotherapy is administered is to improve the client's quality of life.