Author Question: The parents of a child with cancer ask the nurse why the child is losing weight even though he is ... (Read 87 times)

jparksx · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The parents of a child with cancer ask the nurse why the child is losing weight even though he is eating what he normally does. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

A.
Cancer consumes body tissues, causing weight loss.
B.
He may be going through a growth spurt right now.
C.
How do you know he is eating like he normally does?
D.
When you are sick, you need more nutrition than usual.

Question 2

A child has liver cancer. The most recent results for the alpha-fetoprotein level show it has been reduced by 50. Which statement by the nurse to the parents and child is most appropriate at this time?

A.
Once the level gets to normal, we can resect the tumor.
B.
This shows the cancer is responding to therapy.
C.
Unfortunately, the chemotherapy is not working.
D.
Your child will need a liver transplant soon.

k.lashomb · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The demands of illness lead to increased nutritional needs. A child with cancer needs increased nutrition. Cancer does not consume body tissues. The child may be going through a growth spurt, but this is not always the case and is not the best answer. Asking the parents how they know the child's eating habits have changed may put them on the defensive.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by both hepatoblastomas and hepatocellular carcinomas. Falling levels of AFP indicate that treatment is working. The other responses are not correct.