A patient with metastatic cancer develops severe back pain, new leg weakness and difficulty passing urine. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: C. Report the findings urgently to the oncology team

  • A. Apply a warm pack to the lower back
  • B. Encourage walking to maintain muscle strength
  • C. Report the findings urgently to the oncology team
  • D. Give the routine analgesic and reassess tomorrow

Explanation

The combination suggests possible malignant spinal cord compression, an oncological emergency that can cause permanent neurological damage. Urgent reporting allows rapid imaging and treatment; walking and delaying assessment may worsen the injury.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Oncology Nursing

Covers cancer biology, tumour staging, common malignancies and nursing care during surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and palliative treatment. It includes managing nausea, pain, fatigue, mucositis, neutropenia and extravasation, while distinguishing expected treatment effects from dangerous complications requiring urgent action.

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