Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract related questions and content

The nurse is teaching a client with a family history of oral cancer about the early stage of the disease. Which statement(s) should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

  • A. The early stage of oral cancer is characteristically asymptomatic.
  • B. A lesion, lump, or other abnormality may be present on the lips or mouth.
  • C. Difficulty eating or tasting food may occur.
  • D. Pain and numbness are typically present.
  • E. Persistent hoarseness is a hallmark sign.
Correct Answer: A,B

Rationale: The nurse should inform the client that oral cancer is characteristically asymptomatic in its early stage, though lesions, lumps, or other abnormalities may be present on the lips and mouth. While it is true that oral cancer may cause difficulty eating or tasting food, pain and numbness, and persistent hoarseness, these events occur later in the disease's progression and are not relevant in discussion of the early stage.