Question

Case Study #2

Juan Martinez, a 52-year-old Hispanic male, had a routine screening colonoscopy last week. He has a history of smoking cigarettes for 40 years, hypertension which is controlled with lisinopril, and type 2 diabetes which he take metformin daily. He was asked to come into office for the results this morning. Mr. Martinez was diagnosed with colon cancer and is scheduled for surgery to remove the tumor in two days. Mr. Martinez has been married for 30 years and has four teenaged daughters.

Questions (10 points total)

1. What are the risk factors present for colon cancer?

(2 points)

2. What psychosocial concerns should the nurse anticipate in caring for Mr. Martinez and his family? (2 points)

3. With whom should the nurse collaborate in providing care for Mr. Martinez and why? (2 points)

Case Study continued:

Mr. Martinez has the surgery and is recovering without complications. His oncologist has discussed radiation therapy with Mr. Martinez and his wife. When the nurse comes into his room, Mr. Martinez says, “I thought all the cancer was gone when they took the tumor out! Now the doctor says I need radiation therapy. My friend had radiation therapy and he had burns! I don’t want burns!”

4. What actions should the nurse take to address Mr. Martinez’s concerns? (2 points)

Case Study continued

Four years later, Mr. Martinez is back in the hospital with a bowel obstruction. He has been cancer-free since the surgery and radiation therapies were completed. Mr. Martinez states, “The doctor said this bowel obstruction was caused by the surgery or the radiation. How can that be?”

5. How should the nurse respond to Mr. Martinez?

(2 points)

Answer 1

Answer: The risk factors that are present for colon cancer are:

• Smoking
• Age factor
• Lack of physical activity
• Improper diet
• Being overweight.

The nurse should anticipate the psychosocial concerns regarding the depression, financial issues etc. Because due to chronic illness people suffers from financial issues.

Nurse should collaborate with the interdisciplinary team as patient is already having diabetes and hypertension. So interdisciplinary team is required for the care of the patient.

It is necessary to provide counseling and post operative care for the patient. The nurse should provide information regarding the radiation therapy and assure the patient that the radiation is strong enough for the chemotherapy and performed under the supervisor.