Question

A client has cancer of the pancreas. The nurse should be most concerned with which nursing diagnosis? A. Alteration in nutrition B. Alteration in bowel elimination C. Alteration in skin integrity D. Ineffective individual coping

Short answer

Answer: The primary nursing diagnosis of concern for a client with pancreatic cancer is Alteration in nutrition. This is due to the direct impact of pancreatic cancer on the body's ability to digest and absorb nutrients, leading to malnutrition.

Step-by-step solution

1. Understand Pancreatic Cancer Impact on the Body

Before selecting the most concerning nursing diagnosis, it's crucial to understand the effects of pancreatic cancer on the body. The pancreas plays a significant role in both endocrine and exocrine functions. It is involved in regulating blood sugar levels through the production of insulin and glucagon and contributes to digestion by secreting enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

2. Analyze the Effects of Pancreatic Cancer on the Given Nursing Diagnoses

We will now examine the impact of pancreatic cancer on each nursing diagnosis to determine which would be most concerning. A. Alteration in nutrition: Pancreatic cancer can negatively impact the body's ability to digest and absorb nutrients, leading to malnutrition. This is because the pancreatic enzymes needed for proper digestion may be compromised. B. Alteration in bowel elimination: Pancreatic cancer may also cause problems with bowel elimination, but the severity would vary depending on the tumor's location and size. Nonetheless, it is not as directly linked as the alteration in nutrition is. C. Alteration in skin integrity: While cancer and its treatments might have side effects that could impact skin integrity (e.g., itching or rash), this is not specifically related to pancreatic cancer and is less prevalent compared to the alteration in nutrition. D. Ineffective individual coping: Coping mechanisms are essential in dealing with any medical condition. However, this diagnosis is more psychological and less directly influenced by the cancer to the pancreas itself.

3. Choose the Most Concerning Nursing Diagnosis

After evaluating the impact of pancreatic cancer on each nursing diagnosis, the most concerning one is A. Alteration in nutrition. This is because pancreatic cancer directly affects the pancreas' ability to produce essential enzymes needed for digestion and absorption of nutrients, leading to malnutrition.

Key concepts

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer primarily affects the pancreas, a vital organ in the human body. This cancer can disrupt both endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing essential hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, to regulate blood sugar levels. It also produces enzymes critical for digesting nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

When pancreatic cancer occurs, these processes can be severely impaired. Tumors can block the enzyme secretion, leading to digestive issues like malnutrition. Moreover, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can vary, including jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Early detection is vital, as pancreatic cancer can progress quickly, affecting other bodily functions.

Nutritional Alterations

Nutritional alterations refer to changes in the body's ability to take in, digest, or absorb nutrients necessary for healthy functioning. In the case of pancreatic cancer, these alterations often occur due to a disruption in enzyme production. Without the proper enzymes, food breakdown and nutrient absorption are hindered, which can lead to malnutrition.

Patients with pancreatic cancer may experience significant weight loss and muscle wasting. It's crucial for healthcare providers to monitor nutritional status closely and provide interventions, such as enzyme supplements or dietary modifications, to support nutrition. Early and appropriate management of nutritional alterations can greatly impact the quality of life and overall prognosis for patients.

NCLEX-PN Exam

The NCLEX-PN exam is a critical assessment for aspiring practical nurses (PNs). It tests the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective care to patients. Understanding common conditions like pancreatic cancer and its impact on the body is essential for success on the exam.

In this exam, students can expect questions related to nursing diagnoses, such as recognizing nutritional alterations in patients with pancreatic cancer. Preparing for the NCLEX-PN involves extensive study and understanding of nursing processes, patient care management, and effective communication. Being well-versed in nursing diagnoses helps ensure that future nurses can effectively identify and address patient needs.

Nursing Education

Nursing education equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver high-quality patient care. It includes understanding intricate details of medical conditions, such as pancreatic cancer, which can affect patient health in multiple ways.

Education programs for nurses focus on developing critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Nurses learn to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop appropriate nursing diagnoses, like addressing nutritional alterations in pancreatic cancer patients.

Through comprehensive courses and clinical experiences, students gain insights into patient management strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and therapeutic communication. These programs lay the foundation for successfully navigating complex patient scenarios often encountered in practice.