A patient with a secondary metastatic spinal cord tumor is scheduled for surgery. What should the nurse recognize as the goal of surgery for this patient?

Question

1. complete removal of the tumor and affected spinal cord tissue
2. eradication of the tumor with excision and drainage
3. tumor excision to reduce cord compression
4. exploration to visualize the tumor and obtain a biopsy

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
The tumor can exert pressure on the spinal cord, which interferes with function. In the case of secondary metastatic spinal tumor, the patient outcome may be limited to preventing compression on the spinal cord rather than completely removing the cancerous lesion. Complete removal of the tumor and affected spinal tissue or eradication by excision and drainage would not be likely due to the secondary nature of the tumor and the resulting disability. Biopsy can be accomplished without direct visualization.