Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Cancer Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Cancer related questions and content

A bowel resection is scheduled for a client with the diagnosis of colon cancer with metastasis to the liver and bone. Which statement by the nurse best explains the purpose of the surgery?

  • A. Removing the tumor is a primary treatment for colon cancer.'
  • B. This surgery will prevent further tumor growth.'
  • C. Once the tumor is removed, cell pathology can be determined.'
  • D. Tumor removal will promote comfort.'
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Palliative surgeries, such as bowel resection, may be performed to promote comfort by relieving pain and pressure on organs within the abdominal cavity. Primary treatment refers to surgery that is likely to provide a cure, which is not likely in metastatic disease. With metastasis, primary tumor removal does not prevent further tumor growth in distant sites. The diagnosis of colon cancer with metastasis suggests cell pathology has already been determined.