NCLEX-RNHealth Promotion and MaintenanceHard
A nurse is discussing health maintenance with a 45-year-old male client during his annual physical. The client has no significant past medical history and no family history of colon cancer. He asks about recommended cancer screenings. Which of the following screenings should the nurse recommend initiating at this time?
- AFecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer.
- BMammography.
- CLow-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer.
- DAnnual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer.
Current guidelines recommend initiating colorectal cancer screening for individuals of average risk at age 45. A Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is one of the recommended non-invasive screening options. The client's age (45) aligns with the recommendation for starting this screening.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Mammography is a screening for breast cancer and is not indicated for a male client.
- C. LDCT for lung cancer screening is recommended for specific high-risk individuals (e.g., heavy smokers) at certain ages, not for a 45-year-old with no significant history.
- D. PSA testing for prostate cancer is not routinely recommended for all men at age 45; discussions about screening typically begin later (e.g., 50-55) and involve shared decision-making.
Adult Cancer Screening Guidelines
Age- and risk-based recommendations for screening tests to detect common cancers early.
- Colorectal cancer: start at 45 (average risk).
- Breast cancer: start at 40-50 (average risk, depending on guidelines).
- Cervical cancer: start at 21.
- Lung cancer: for high-risk smokers.
Memory trick: Colon Check at 45, Breast at 40/50