Cancers of the Female Reproductive Tract

Question 1

Papanicolaou (Pap) test

Answer 1

Screening for abnormal cells

Question 2

cervical cancer

Answer 2

a malignancy located in the uterine cervix.

Question 3

cervical dysplasia

Answer 3

disordered growth of abnormal cells

Question 4

colposcopy

Answer 4

A microscopic examination of the lower genital tract using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope.

Question 5

cone biopsy

Answer 5

removes a cone-shaped section of cervical tissue. The base of the cone is formed by the ectocervix (outer part of the cervix) and the point or apex of the cone is from the endocervical canal

Question 6

cryotherapy

Answer 6

destroys abnormal cervical tissue by freezing with liquid nitrogen, Freon, or nitrous oxide.

Question 7

endometrial cancer

Answer 7

(also known as uterine cancer) is a malignant neoplastic growth of the uterine lining. Two types: TI: endometrial hyperplasia (carcinoma) & TII: spontaneously appearing.

Question 8

human papillomavirus

Answer 8

Leads to cervical cancer.

Question 9

ovarian cancer

Answer 9

a malignant neoplastic growth of the ovary. 5th most common cause of cancer deaths in women.

Question 10

Papanicolaou (Pap) test

Answer 10

Is a procedure used to obtain cells from the cervix for cytology screening, which detects cervical cancer and some precancerous lesions

Question 11

vaginal cancer

Answer 11

Rare malignant tissue growth arising in the vagina. Only about 1 of every 1,100 women will develop vaginal cancer in her lifetime. Majority is a metastases from cervix.

Question 12

vulvar cancer

Answer 12

an abnormal neoplastic growth on the external female genitalia including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and opening to the vagina

Question 13

Clinical Breast Examination

Answer 13

Assessment of the breast for abnormal findings; client may discover lump herself; high-risk history for breast cancer

Question 14

Mammography diagnostic testing

Answer 14

Screening modality for breast cancer or any distortion in breast tissue architecture

Question 15

Pap smear diagnostic testing

Answer 15

Cervical cytology screening to diagnose cervical cancers

Question 16

Transvaginal ultrasound

Answer 16

Screening for pelvic pathology to assist in diagnosing endometrial cancers

Question 17

What is a CA-125 blood test used for?

Answer 17

Nonspecific blood test used as a tumor marker.

Elevated marker levels are not specific to ovarian cancer; they can be elevated in other types of cancer.

Question 18

Leep (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) or LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone)

Answer 18

the abnormal cervical tissue is removed with a wire that is heated by an electrical current. For this procedure, a local anesthetic is used. It is performed in the health care provider’s office in approximately 10 minutes. Mild cramping and bleeding may persist for several weeks after the procedure.

Question 19

Cold knife cone biopsy

Answer 19

a surgical scalpel or a laser is used instead of a heated wire to remove tissue. This procedure requires general anesthesia and is done in a hospital setting. After the procedure, cramping and bleeding may persist for a few weeks.

Question 20

Risk factors for Ovarian cancer.

Answer 20

Nulliparity, Early menarche (before 12 years old), Late menopause (after 55 years old), Increasing age after, menopause, High-fat diet, Obesity, Persistent ovulation over time, First-degree relative with ovarian cancer, Genetics—women of Ashkenazi Jewish decent, Use of perineal talcum powder or hygiene sprays, Older than 30 years at first pregnancy, Positive BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, Personal history of breast, bladder, or colon cancer, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for more than 10 years, Infertility (CDC, 2015c)

Question 21

What should be suspected if a female has a mast on her ovaries after menopause?

Answer 21

Cancer

Question 22

When describing ovarian cancer to a local women’s group, the nurse states that ovarian cancer often is not diagnosed early because:

a. The disease progresses very slowly.
b. The early stages produce very vague symptoms.
c. The disease usually is diagnosed only at autopsy.
d. Clients do not follow up on acute pelvic pain.

Answer 22

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The correct answer is B. Typically there are no glaring features of ovarian cancer.

Question 23

A postmenopausal woman reports that she has started spotting again. Which of the following would the nurse do?

a. Instruct the client to keep a menstrual diary for the next few months.
b. Tell her not to worry, since this a common but not serious event.
c. Have her start warm-water douches to promote healing.
d. Anticipate that the doctor will assess her endometrium thickness.

Answer 23

The correct response is D. Any postmenopausal bleeding is suspicious for endometrial cancer.

Question 24

Which of the following would the nurse identify as the priority psychosocial need for a women diagnosed with reproductive cancer?

a. Research findings
b. Hand-holding
c. Cheerfulness
d. Offering of hope

Answer 24

The correct response is A. Women need clear information to make informed choices about treatment and aftercare. This information will help reduce her anxiety and chose the best course of action for her.

Question 25

When teaching a group of women about screening and early detection of cervical cancer, the nurse would include which of the following as most effective?

a. Fecal occult blood test
b. CA-125 blood test
c. Pap smear and HPV test
d. Sigmoidoscopy

Answer 25

The correct response is C. Pap smears are done specifically to detect abnormal cells of the cervix that might be cancerous.

Question 26

After teaching a group of students about reproductive tract cancers, the nursing instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following as the deadliest type of female reproductive cancer?

a. Vulvar
b. Ovarian
c. Endometrial
d. Cervical

Answer 26

The correct response is B. Typically ovarian cancer is not diagnosed until it is in advanced stages, when the prognosis and survival rates are poor.

Question 27

The nurse is attempting to reassure her obese female client about the discovery of an ovarian cyst after her pelvic exam. Which of the following statements is true concerning ovarian cysts? They are:

a. Frequently seen in polycystic kidney disease
b. Always painful and need to be removed surgically
c. A precursor to ovarian carcinoma
d. Part of a syndrome that includes hypertension and diabetes

Answer 27

The correct response is “D” because ovarian cysts are frequently seen with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by hypertension and diabetes as well as amenorrhea, obesity, and hyperlipidemia.

Question 28

Which of the following is considered a risk factor for vulvar cancer?

a. Vitamin B12 deficiency
b. Epstein–Barr virus
c. Human papillomavirus
d. Adenovirus

Answer 28

The correct response is “C” because HPV isn’t just associated with cervical cancer, but also a major risk factor for the development of vulvar cancer.