Lung Cancer EXAM I

Question 1

malignant tumor of the bronchi and peripheral lung tissue – the lungs are a
common target for metastasis from other organs – lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer
related death – prevention includes primary and secondary prevention although secondary
prevention is not very effective – smoking cessation is the #1 primary prevention – it is important
to educate clients about not smoking

Answer 1

lung cancer

Question 2

what are the two types of lung cancer ?

Answer 2

• small cell (very rare for someone who has never smoked to have this type)
• non small cell (subtypes: squamous cell, adenocarcinoma, large cell anaplastic carcinoma

Question 3

where does lung cancer metastasize to?

Answer 3

brain, bone, liver, adrenal gland

Question 4

most occurs in previous or current smokers – this is also the
most common type of cancer seen in non-smokers as well – more common in
women than men & more common to happen in the younger population

Answer 4

adenocarcinoma

Question 5

appears in any part of the lung – grows & spreads quickly & hard to treat

Answer 5

large cell

Question 6

o Chest x-ray – first identified (first choice)
o CT/MRI – help to identify the lesions more profoundly
o PET – identify points of metastasis
o Biopsy – assists with the staging of the cancer

Answer 6

diagnosis of lung cancer

Question 7

what are causes of lung cancer?

Answer 7

o Cigarette smoking, also secondhand smoke

o Exposure to environmental and occupational pollutants

Question 8

too much antidiuretic syndrome – leads to water
retention/electrolyte imbalances and can cause severe hypernatremia –
can develop very suddenly and can be life threatening – increased water
absorption & dilution of sodium – PT will be confused and have urine
output of 15 mL/hr

Answer 8

a paraneoplastic syndrome known as SIADH

Question 9

commonly associated with small cell lung cancer and
can be life threatening – symptoms: increased thirst, increased urination,
abdominal pain, muscle weakness, confusion/fatigue

Answer 9

a paraneoplastic syndrome known as hypercalcemia

Question 10

when the tumor secretes an insulin like a growth factor.

cool/clammy – at risk for coma/death

Answer 10

a paraneoplastic syndrome known as hypoglycemia

Question 11

Potassium is elevated, uric acid elevated, & phosphorous levels are elevated.
“PUP is UP”

Answer 11

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Question 12

Blockage of blood flow in venous system of head, neck upper trunk –
compression of SVC by tumor, enlarge lymph nodes – slow or life. threatening emergency

Answer 12

superior vena cava syndrome

Question 13

Cough 
wheezing
dyspnea
hoarseness
chest pain
anorexia
weakness and
diminished/absent breath sounds & respiratory changes

Answer 13

clinical manifestations of lung cancer