A patient with liver cancer is undergoing radiation therapy. The patient asks the nurse if the radiation therapy is going to cure the cancer. What is the best answer the nurse could give?
A) "The radiation therapy will hopefully prolong your life, but the major effect is palliative."
B) "The radiation therapy is going to give you a second chance at life."
C) "The radiation therapy will cure your cancer."
D) "The radiation therapy will take away your pain and discomfort."
Ans: A
Feedback: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy have been used to treat cancer of the liver with varying degrees of success. Although these therapies may prolong survival and improve quality of life by reducing pain and discomfort, their major effect is palliative. The only complete answer is option A.
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