The nurse is taking care of an adolescent with osteosarcoma. The ...

[KWilfred]

The nurse is taking care of an adolescent with osteosarcoma. The parents ask the nurse about treatment. The nurse should make which accurate response about treatment for osteosarcoma?
 
  a. Treatment usually consists of surgery and chemotherapy.
  b. Amputation of affected extremity is rarely necessary.
  c. Intensive irradiation is the primary treatment.
  d. Bone marrow transplantation offers the best chance of long-term survival.

Question 2

An adolescent with osteosarcoma is scheduled for a leg amputation in 2 days. The nurse's approach should include which action?
 
  a. Answering questions with straightforward honesty
  b. Avoiding discussing the seriousness of the condition
  c. Explaining that, although the amputation is difficult, it will cure the cancer
  d. Assisting the adolescent in accepting the amputation as better than a long course of chemotherapy

[Jadwiga9]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The optimal therapy for osteosarcoma is a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Intensive irradiation and bone marrow transplantation are usually not part of the therapeutic management.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Honesty is essential to gain the child's cooperation and trust. The diagnosis of cancer should not be disguised with falsehoods. The adolescent should be prepared for the surgery so he or she has time to reflect on the diagnosis and subsequent treatment. This allows questions to be answered. To accept the need for radical surgery, the child must be aware of the lack of alternatives for treatment. Amputation is necessary, but it will not guarantee a cure. Chemotherapy is an integral part of the therapy with surgery. The child should be informed of the need for chemotherapy and its side effects before surgery.