NCLEX-RNHealth Promotion and MaintenanceMedium
A nurse is providing health teaching to a 60-year-old male client about recommended screening tests. The client has no significant past medical history and no family history of colon cancer. Which screening should the nurse emphasize as most critical for this client's age group?
- AElectrocardiogram (ECG)
- BRoutine complete blood count (CBC)
- CAnnual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
- DColonoscopy
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a critical screening for colorectal cancer, generally recommended to start at age 45 for average-risk individuals and continuing through age 75. For a 60-year-old, this screening is highly emphasized due to the increased risk of colorectal cancer with age.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An ECG is not a routine screening for asymptomatic individuals; it's typically performed based on symptoms or risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- B. A routine CBC is a general health assessment tool but not a primary screening for age-specific cancers or conditions unless specific symptoms are present.
- C. PSA screening for prostate cancer is individualized and not universally recommended annually for all men over 60, especially without symptoms or risk factors.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Regular screening to detect colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, typically starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals.
- Recommended for average-risk individuals starting at age 45.
- Colonoscopy is considered the most thorough screening method.
- Other options include stool-based tests (FIT, gFOBT, sDNA).
Memory trick: Age-Based Screens: Colon, Breast, Cervical, and Blood Pressure Checks.