Which client would be most likely to need education regarding colonoscopy screening? Answers:
A 48-year-old client who has not had a colonoscopy
B An 88-year-old client who takes anticoagulant medications
C A 55-year-old client who had a colonoscopy last year
D A 35-year-old client who has metabolic syndrome
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A: A 48-year-old client who has not had a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy screening is recommended for individuals beginning at age 45 to 50, depending on the guidelines from medical organizations like the American Cancer Society. The primary goal of colonoscopy screening is to detect colorectal cancer at an early stage or to identify polyps before they become cancerous. A 48-year-old client who has never had a colonoscopy falls within the recommended age range for the procedure, and the lack of screening indicates that education on the importance of colon cancer prevention and screening would be appropriate.
For a 55-year-old client who had a colonoscopy last year (Answer C), the client has already received the necessary screening within the recommended timeframe. Colonoscopies are typically scheduled every 10 years unless the results show abnormalities or the individual has specific risk factors that may require more frequent screenings.
An 88-year-old client who takes anticoagulant medications (Answer B) may have specific concerns regarding the procedure, but the decision to screen or perform a colonoscopy in older adults often depends on the individual’s overall health, life expectancy, and the potential risks associated with the procedure. In this case, education might focus on the risks related to anticoagulation therapy and how they may affect the screening process, but colonoscopy screening might not be the most urgent concern for this age group, especially if there are limited benefits to extending their life expectancy through such screenings.
A 35-year-old client with metabolic syndrome (Answer D) is not within the typical screening age group for colorectal cancer. While metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, it does not typically elevate the need for early colonoscopy screenings. The client may need education on managing metabolic syndrome but not specifically about colonoscopy screening.