NCLEX-PN® ExaminationHealth Promotion and MaintenanceMedium
A practical nurse is conducting a health screening for a 45-year-old male client with no significant medical history. The client is concerned about his risk for prostate cancer. Which recommendation for prostate cancer screening is most appropriate for a client of this age and risk profile according to current guidelines?
- ADelay screening until age 60, as prostate cancer is rare before then.
- BBegin annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing immediately.
- CUndergo a digital rectal exam (DRE) every 5 years starting now.
- DDiscuss the benefits and risks of screening with a healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Discuss the benefits and risks of screening with a healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
Current guidelines emphasize shared decision-making for prostate cancer screening. For men in their 40s and 50s, especially those with average risk, discussing the potential benefits and harms of screening with a healthcare provider is crucial before proceeding with PSA testing or DRE.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Delaying until 60 is too late for some men; screening discussions can begin earlier.
- B. Annual PSA testing for average-risk men at 45 is not uniformly recommended; shared decision-making is preferred.
- C. DRE alone is not the primary screening recommendation, and a 5-year interval is too infrequent if screening is pursued.
Prostate Cancer Screening
The process of checking for prostate cancer in men who have no symptoms, typically involving PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams.
- Shared decision-making is emphasized.
- Benefits include early detection; risks include false positives, anxiety, overtreatment.
- Guidelines vary slightly by organization (e.g., ACS, USPSTF).
Memory trick: Discuss Decisions Diligently for Dads.