After learning that he has a benign tumor in his abdomen, the ...

[nramada]

After learning that he has a benign tumor in his abdomen, the patient is overheard telling his wife that he has cancer. What should the nurse say to the patient and spouse?
 
  1. There is a growth in the abdomen but it is encapsulated and after being removed, will not recur.
  2. This type of cancer is easily treated.
  3. This type of cancer will not spread to other tissues.
  4. Even though this growth has invaded other tissues, it can be contained.

Question 2

A patient who engages in high-risk sexual behavior is urged to have total knee replacement surgery. What actions should the patient consider prior to scheduling this surgery?
 
  Select all that apply.
 
  1. Delay the surgery for 1 year
  2. Schedule the surgery immediately
  3. Begin medication therapy for HIV
  4. Consider autologous transfusions for the surgery
  5. Have testing for HIV in 6 months

[asware1]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
A benign tumor is encapsulated, slow-growing, and once removed, will not recur. The patient does not have cancer but rather a benign tumor. Even though benign tumors will not spread to other tissues, the nurse should not refer to the growth as being cancer. The growth has not invaded other tissues.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4, 5

Patients in the window period between contraction of the virus and the development of detectable antibodies are able to transmit the virus to others. This window period usually lasts from 6 weeks to 6 months. The patient should be tested in 6 months. When possible, patients should be encouraged to use autologous transfusion, donating their own blood prior to an anticipated surgery. The surgery should not be scheduled until the patient's HIV status is determined. Rarely does it take 1 year to determine if a patient is HIV positive. There is no evidence to support the implementation of HIV medication therapy.