NCLEX Examination.
Practice Question # 572.
Nclex
PANCREATIC CANCER
Description
- Most pancreatic tumors are highly malignant, rapidly growing adenocarcinomas originating from the epithelium of the ductal system.
- Pancreatic cancer is associated with increased age, a history of diabetes mellitus, alcohol use, history of previous pancreatitis, smoking, ingestion of a high-fat diet, and exposure to environmental chemicals.
- Symptoms usually do not occur until the tumor is large; therefore, the prognosis is poor.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for visualization of the pancreatic duct and biliary system and collection of tissue and secretions may be done.
Assessment
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice
- Unexplained weight loss
- Clay-colored stools
- Glucose intolerance
- Abdominal pain
Interventions
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Whipple procedure, which involves a pancreaticoduodenectomy with removal of the distal third of the stomach, pancreaticojejunostomy, gastrojejunostomy, and choledochojejunostomy.
- Postoperative care measures and complications are similar to those for the care of a client with pancreatitis and the client following gastric surgery; monitor blood glucose levels for transient hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia resulting from surgical manipulation of the pancreas.
