The nurse is caring for a client who is being discharged following surgery for oral cancer. Which sign is the client instructed to watch for that indicates possible metastasis of the cancer?
a. Fragile gums that bleed easily
b. White patches on the tongue and the back of the throat
c. Painful ulcerated lesions on the gums or inside of the cheek
d. Small hard lumps on the side of the neck or under the chin
D
Cervical lymph nodes that become hardened, enlarged, and fixed in position are indications of metastatic disease. An older adult or a client with a dry mouth may develop fragile gums that bleed easily. White patches on the tongue and the back of throat could be leukopla-kia—precancerous lesions that are normally benign. Stomatitis or inflammation of the oral cavity can lead to fragile gums, white patches (candidiasis), and painful open sores throughout the oral cavity, but these conditions are not cancerous.
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