Nokea
Which condition assessed by the nurse would be an early warning sign of childhood cancer?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Childhood cancers often present with subtle, non-specific signs, but swellings, lumps, or masses anywhere on the body are a key early warning, indicating possible tumors like leukemia (lymphadenopathy), Wilms tumor, or sarcomas. Nurses must assess these palpable abnormalities, as they prompt urgent diagnostic workup imaging or biopsy to catch cancer early when treatment is most effective. Difficulty swallowing might suggest esophageal or brain tumors but isn't a common early childhood cancer sign. Frequent cough or hoarseness could indicate adult cancers (e.g., lung) or late-stage disease, not typical pediatric onset. Bowel and bladder changes are more adult-specific (e.g., colorectal cancer) or late effects in children. Lumps' prominence in pediatric guidelines underscores their priority, aligning with nursing's role in early detection to improve survival rates in young patients.