Question

The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient is at highest risk for pancreatic cancer?

a. A 38-year-old Hispanic female who is obese and has hyperinsulinemia
b. A 23-year-old who has cystic fibrosis-related pancreatic enzyme insufficiency
c. A 72-year-old African American male who has smoked cigarettes for 50 years
d. A 19-year-old who has a 5-year history of uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus

Answer 1

The 72-year-old male smoker has the highest risk for pancreatic cancer due to his age and extensive history of smoking, factors which significantly elevate the risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient at highest risk for pancreatic cancer would most likely be the 72-year-old African American male who has smoked cigarettes for 50 years. Several factors contribute to this increased risk, including the individual's advanced age, as pancreatic cancer is generally more common after the age of 60, and the extended history of smoking, which is a major risk factor. Smoking is known to increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer substantially, with about one in four cases being attributable to this habit.