Final answer:
The nurse's most appropriate response to positive CEA levels is to prepare for psychosocial support and coordinate with the medical team for further diagnostic tests, like CT scans, while also encouraging adherence to screening protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
In response to the positive carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, the most appropriate action for a nurse would be to prepare to meet the patient's psychosocial needs, while the medical team plans further diagnostic testing. Elevated CEA levels can indicate the presence of cancer, such as cancers of the gastrointestinal system, lung, and breast, but are not definitive for bowel cancer. For a patient with a history of treated bowel cancer, increased CEA levels could suggest a recurrence of cancer. Hence, the nurse should liaise with medical professionals for further investigations such as CT scans, which are part of the diagnostic process for cancer. Additionally, it is beneficial to encourage the patient to adhere to recommended screening protocols, as this is an effective measure for early detection and treatment of cancer relapses.
Performing a focused abdominal assessment or an anorectal examination without the guidance of a nurse practitioner or physician may not be justified solely on the basis of a CEA result. Instead, the nurse plays a critical role in supporting the patient emotionally and ensuring that they understand the need for and process of further testing, while coordinating care with the healthcare team to establish the need for specific tests and potential treatment options.