Question

A client is distraught because a recent computed tomography (CT) scan shows that the client's colon cancer has metastasized to the lungs. Which nursing aim should the nurse prioritize in the immediate care of this client?

1) Facilitating coping
2) Preventing illness
3) Restoring health
4) Promoting health

Answer 1

In the care of a client with metastasized colon cancer, the nursing priority is facilitating coping, providing support and resources after they receive upsetting news from a CT scan.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client is distraught due to a CT scan revealing that their colon cancer has metastasized to the lungs, the nursing aim that should be prioritized in the immediate care of this client is facilitating coping. This is because the spread of cancer to another organ, known as metastasis, indicates an advanced stage which often comes with complex emotional and psychological challenges. The nurse should provide emotional support, resources for counseling, and education about the illness and its treatment options to help the client process the information and manage their response. Although preventing illness, restoring health, and promoting health are important aims, they are not the primary focus in this context where curative treatment may not be possible and emotional support is paramount.