A patient who is diagnosed with cancer confined to the vocal cord states, "A friend of mine had throat cancer and it ended up in his liver. I know it will be the same for me." The nurse's best response is:
A) "Your cancer is confined to your vocal cords, and metastasis is rare due to the lack of lymph nodes."
B) "You are right; approximately 75% of patients experience metastasis to the liver."
C) "You should speak to your doctor about your prognosis; I cannot adequately answer your question."
D) "Are you upset about your diagnosis? I know I would wonder the same thing."
Ans: A
Feedback: Metastatic disease from the true vocal cords is very rare because they are devoid of lymph nodes. The prognosis of small laryngeal cancers without evidence of spread to the lymph nodes is around 75% to 95%. The nurse needs to address the patient's fears and should not respond negatively.
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