On a visit to the gynecologist, a client complains of urinary frequency, pelvic discomfort, and weight loss. After a complete physical examination, blood studies, and a pelvic examination with a Papanicolaou test, the physician diagnoses stage IV ovarian cancer. The nurse expects to prepare the client for which initial treatment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the case of stage IV ovarian cancer, initial treatment typically involves major surgery, known as cytoreductive surgery or debulking surgery. The goal of this surgery is to remove as much of the tumor burden as possible from the abdomen and pelvis. By reducing the size of the tumor, the effectiveness of subsequent treatments such as chemotherapy can be enhanced. Surgery may also involve the removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding tissue. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used after surgery to further target any remaining cancer cells. However, major surgery is often the first step in the management of advanced ovarian cancer.