A patient's carcinoembryonic antigen level was initially 16 ng/mL. The level is currently 6 ng/mL. What does the nurse realize this decreased level indicates for the patient?
1. The patient's treatment for cancer is effective.
2. The patient's treatment for cancer is not effective.
3. The patient has a new site of cancer.
4. The patient's cancer has metastasized.
Correct Answer: 1
The normal carcinoembryonic antigen level for a nonsmoker is 2.5 ng/mL and 5.0 ng/mL for a smoker. Cancer is diagnosed with a level greater than 12 ng/mL. A decrease in the level is an indication that treatment for cancer is effective. The value would increase if the treatment for cancer were not effective. This laboratory test cannot determine new sites of cancer or if the cancer has metastasized.
You might also like to view...
What is considered to be the minimum number of hours of daily activity necessary to prevent the negative consequences of immobility?
a. 2 hours b. 4 hours c. 6 hours d. 8 hours
How do Braxton-Hicks contractions, which may begin in the first trimester and become increasingly stronger during the pregnancy, differ from labor contractions?
a. Last several minutes b. Are always regular c. Do not dilate the cervix d. Are only mild
The individual going through a transition may experience many feelings. Which feelings are common? (Select all that apply.)
1. Anger 2. Anxiety 3. Knowledge 4. Confusion 5. Grief
Front-line therapy for heart failure currently consists of which regimen?
a. A loop diuretic, a potassium-sparing diuretic, and a cardiac glycoside b. A calcium channel blocker, a diuretic, and a cardiac glycoside c. A diuretic, an ACE inhibitor, and a beta blocker d. A beta blocker, a calcium channel blocker, and a diuretic