Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which statement regarding early-stage right colon tumors is correct?

1. They cause cramping and pain.

2. They typically cause no symptoms.

3. They lead to rectal bleeding.

4. They are always diagnosed through surgery.

The correct answer is: They typically cause no symptoms.

Early-stage right colon tumors often do not present with noticeable symptoms. This lack of symptoms can be attributed to the anatomical features of the right colon, where tumors may grow without causing obstruction or irritation of surrounding tissues initially. Consequently, patients might not experience the typical signs associated with colorectal issues, such as pain, cramping, or bleeding, particularly in the early stages of tumor development when symptoms are less apparent. As the tumors progress, the likelihood of more distressing symptoms increases, but early detection is often challenging due to the asymptomatic nature of these tumors at the initial stages. Therefore, the statement regarding the absence of symptoms in early-stage right colon tumors is accurate.