NCLEX examination.
Practice Question #638.
nclex
Gastric Cancer Nclex Review
Description
- Gastric cancer is a malignant growth of the mucosal cells in the inner lining of the stomach, with invasion to the muscle and beyond in advanced disease.
- No single causative agent has been identified but it is believed that Helicobacter pylori infection and a diet of smoked, highly salted, processed, or spiced foods have carcinogenic effects; other risk factors include smoking, alcohol and nitrate ingestion, and a history of gastric ulcers.
- Complications include hemorrhage, obstruction, metastasis, and dumping syndrome.
- The goal of treatment is to remove the tumor and provide a nutritional program.
Assessment
- Early symptoms of gastric cancer
- Indigestion
- Abdominal discomfort
- Full feeling
- Epigastric, back, or retrosternal pain
- Late symptoms of gastric cancer
- Weakness and fatigue
- Anorexia and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- A sensation of pressure in the stomach
- Dysphagia and obstructive symptoms
- Iron deficiency anemia
