Question

The client diagnosed with osteosarcoma is scheduled for a surgical amputation. Which nursing diagnosis would be a priority for this client compared with other surgical clients?

Answer 1

Answer:

A priority nursing diagnosis for patient's with osteosarcoma is "disturbed body image."

Explanation:

Osteo relates to "bones," while "sarcoma" relates to a type of cancer.

Thus, "Osteosarcoma" is a type of bone cancer which is more common in males than in females. The cause of this disease is unknown; some say it is caused by genetic factors while others claim it is caused by exposure to radiation. The cancer can  be both localized and generalized. The survival rate for localized cancer is 70%-75%.

Patients with such condition often has swelling on the affected area. This is diagnosed through an x-ray test, which shows the full image of the bone. Thus, for patients having such condition, it is important to focus on "disturbed body image" nursing diagnosis because the patient most likely is concerned about how he will appear to other people. This will make him feel sad and inferior than others. Thus, nursing interventions focused on this is important, such as assisting the patient to manage those emotions.