During an assessment the nurse is concerned that a patient is at risk for developing laryngeal cancer. What did the nurse assess to make this clinical decision?

Question

Select all that apply.

1. The patient works in a steel mill.
2. The patient is a 68-year-old African American male.
3. The patient smokes two packs of cigarettes a day.
4. The patient eats a salad every night with dinner.
5. The patient drinks beer and whiskey every night.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 5
Laryngeal cancer is more common in African Americans and usually develops between the ages of 50 and 70. Men are affected more than four times as often as women. Tobacco use is the major risk factor for laryngeal cancer. The risk is significantly greater in smokers than in nonsmokers. Alcohol consumption is a significant cofactor in increasing the risk. When combined with smoking, the risk increases synergistically and significantly, perhaps as much as 100 times. Exposure to asbestos and other occupational pollutants is another risk factor. Eating salads does not predispose a person to developing laryngeal cancer.