A nurse has conducted a community screening event for oral ...

[joesmith1212]

A nurse has conducted a community screening event for oral cancer. What client is the highest priority for referral to a dentist?
 
  a. Client who has poor oral hygiene practices
  b. Client who smokes and drinks daily
  c. Client who tans for an upcoming vacation
  d. Client who occasionally uses illicit drugs

Question 2

A female client hospitalized for an unrelated problem has a large pearly-white lesion on her lip, to which she continues to apply lipstick that she will not remove for inspection.
 
  The client refuses to discuss the lesion with the nurse or health care provider. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  a.
  Ask the client why her appearance is so important.
  b.
  Ignore the lesion since the client will not discuss it.
  c.
  Inform the client that early-stage cancer is curable.
  d.
  Work with the client to establish a trusting relationship.

[jjorrostieta]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Smoking and alcohol exposure create a high risk for this client. Poor oral hygiene is not related to the etiology of cancer but may cause a tumor to go unnoticed. Tanning is a risk factor, but short-term exposure does not have the same risk as daily exposure to tobacco and alcohol. Illicit drugs are not related to oral cancers.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Clients with oral cancers often have body image difficulties due to the location of the tumor or the results of surgical treatment. This client appears to be using denial to cope with this problem. The nurse should work to establish a helping-trusting relationship in hopes that the client will be amenable to future discussions about the lesion. Asking why questions often puts people on the defensive and should be avoided. Ignoring the lesion is not being an advocate for the client. Education is important, but right now the client is in denial, so this information will not seem relevant to her.

[joesmith1212]

Wow, this really help

[nyrave]

Excellent