Oncology Nursing Practice Test

The letter 'T' in the CAUTION acronym stands for thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere. This warning sign is crucial because the presence of a lump or thickening can indicate the development of a tumor, which can be benign or malignant. Early detection of such changes often leads to more effective treatment outcomes, making it an essential concept in oncology nursing.

The CAUTION acronym serves as a mnemonic for recognizing potential signs of cancer: Changes in bowel or bladder habits, A sore that doesn't heal, Unusual bleeding or discharge, Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere, Indigestion or difficulty swallowing, Obvious change in a wart or mole, and Nagging cough or hoarseness. By recognizing thickening or lumps as a warning sign, patients can seek medical advice sooner and potentially improve their prognosis.

Other choices—sudden weight loss, unusual fatigue, and skin discoloration—while they can be related to cancer, are represented by different letters in the acronym and are themselves important signs that should not be ignored. However, they do not specifically correspond to the 'T' in CAUTION.