Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has colorectal cancer and is receiving chemotherapy. The client asks the nurse why blood is being drawn for a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A.The CEA determines the current stage of your colon cancer.
B. The CEA determines the efficacy of your chemotherapy.
C. The CEA determines if the neutrophil count is below the expected reference range.
D. The CEA determines if you are experiencing occult bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.

Answer 1

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) blood test is used to determine if the client is experiencing occult bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should respond to the client by saying that the CEA determines if you are experiencing occult bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. CEA, or carcinoembryonic antigen, is a tumor marker that is produced by tumors of the gastrointestinal system, among other types of cancer. A rising CEA level in a patient with a history of treated bowel cancer can indicate the return of the cancer, often before it can be detected by imaging or examination.