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 client is recovering from a craniotomy with tumor debulking. Which comment by the client indicates to the nurse a correct understanding of what the surgery entailed?

  • A. I guess the doctor could not remove the entire tumor.'
  • B. I am so glad the doctor was able to remove the entire tumor.'
  • C. I will be glad to finally be done with treatments for this thing.'
  • D. Thank goodness the tumor is contained and curable.'
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Debulking is a reference made when a tumor cannot be completely removed, often due to its extension far into healthy tissue. Without complete removal, this is not a cure and, the cancer cells will continue to replicate and require adjuvant therapies to prevent further invasion. The physician, not the nurse, will need to clarify the details of the surgery.