ASSESSMENT
A patient reports a change in bowel habits and blood in the stool. What condition should the nurse suspect?
Colorectal cancer.
What is the gold standard for diagnosing colorectal cancer?
Colonoscopy with biopsy.
Why is Ondansetron used in colorectal cancer patients?
To prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea.
What is the most common complication of colorectal cancer?
Bowel obstruction.
Why is screening important for colorectal cancer?
Early detection improves outcomes.
A patient has pencil-thin stools. What does this indicate?
Possible tumor causing bowel narrowing.
What is the priority nursing intervention for bowel obstruction?
Keep patient NPO and prepare for decompression (NG tube).
What is the role of 5-Fluorouracil?
Inhibits cancer cell DNA synthesis.
Why does colorectal cancer cause anemia?
Chronic blood loss from tumor.
Why should patients report blood in stool immediately?
It may indicate cancer or bleeding.
A patient reports fatigue and weakness. What underlying issue is most likely?
Anemia from chronic blood loss.
A patient with colorectal cancer is post-op with a new colostomy. What is the priority nursing focus?
Assess stoma and ensure proper function.
Why is Methotrexate used?
Inhibits folate metabolism to stop cancer cell growth.
What is a major postoperative complication after colorectal surgery?
Infection or anastomotic leak.
Why is a low-fiber diet sometimes recommended postoperatively?
Reduces bowel workload during healing.
A patient presents with abdominal distention and inability to pass stool or gas. What complication is this?
Bowel obstruction.
Why must bowel sounds be monitored postoperatively?
To assess return of GI function.
A patient receiving Vincristine develops numbness and tingling. What adverse effect is this?
Peripheral neuropathy.
Why are patients at risk for dehydration with a colostomy?
Loss of fluids through stool output.
A patient with a colostomy reports no output. What is the priority concern?
Possible obstruction.
A patient has occult blood in stool but no visible bleeding. What does this suggest?
Possible early colorectal cancer.
A patient with obstruction begins vomiting fecal matter. What is the priority concern?
Severe bowel obstruction requiring emergency intervention.
Why is Filgrastim used in chemotherapy patients?
To increase WBCs and reduce infection risk.
A patient develops fever and abdominal pain post-op. What is the priority concern?
Infection or anastomotic leak.
A patient asks why fatigue is common. What is the best explanation?
Chronic blood loss and effects of cancer/chemotherapy.