A client is diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. The client ...

[WhattoUnderstand]

A client is diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. The client asks the nurse the purpose of his treatment with the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonist leuprolide (Lupron) and the bisphosphonate pamidronate (Aredia).
 
  Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
  a.
  The treatment reduces testosterone and prevents bone fractures.
  b.
  The medications prevent erectile dysfunction and increase libido.
  c.
  There is less gynecomastia and osteoporosis with this drug regimen.
  d.
  These medications both inhibit tumor progression by blocking androgens.

Question 2

A nurse and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are caring for a client with an open radical prostatectomy. Which comfort measure could the nurse delegate to the UAP?
 
  a. Administering an antispasmodic for bladder spasms
  b. Managing pain through patient-controlled analgesia
  c. Applying ice to a swollen scrotum and penis
  d. Helping the client transfer from the bed to the chair

[Joc]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Lupron, an LH-RH agonist, stimulates the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) to the point that the gland is depleted of LH and testosterone production is lessened. This may decrease the prostate cancer since it is hormone dependent. Lupron can cause osteoporosis, which results in the need for Aredia to prevent bone loss. Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and gynecomastia are side effects of the LH-RH medications. Antiandrogen drugs inhibit tumor progression by blocking androgens at the site of the prostate.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The UAP could aid the client in transferring from the bed to the chair and with ambulation. The nurse would be responsible for medication administration, assessment of swelling, and the application of ice if needed.

[WhattoUnderstand]

Excellent

[EAN94]

TYSM