The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Being

Multiple Choice

The nurse is caring for a patient who is being evaluated for a possible metastatic spinal cord tumor. Which of these data obtained when assessing the patient requires most immediate action by the nurse?

A) The patient has new onset weakness of both legs.
B) The patient complains of chronic level 6 pain on a 10-point scale.
C) The patient starts to cry and says, "I feel hopeless."
D) The patient expresses anxiety about having surgery.