Just my thoughts:)

Describe on theory about the general pathophysiologic changes that occur in cancer from the cellular level to the tumor stage.

Cancer as a whole usually occurs from a mutation of a single cell. This cell then grows out of control because there is an absent of signal that alerts normal cell growth (Hurst, 2008). At a certain point the normal cell is no longer capable of returning to its orginal form and growth continues. Some cancer may be benign which usually is in a single location whereas metastasis is usually spread form its orginal unit. When metastasis occurs the cancer cells divide rapidly and tend to become overly aggressive. Some changes that may be present upon assessment of a cancer patient include: changes in their GI/GU habits, abnormal bleeding or discharge, presence of lumps, change in daily intake due to indigestion or sores and pain. Tumors may occur on glands, tissue, organs, or any part of the body depending on its blood source which is needed for growth and maintenance. The abnormal growth of cells forms a tumor (lump) that may interrupt other bodily function such as normal hormonal secretion. Now lets say that there is a tumor growing on a gland such as a thyroid, this tumor then may cause abnormal secretion of hormones (ectopic) which can increase damage to the body or just cause imbalances (Hurst, 2008). That is cancer and tumor in a flash:)

All information taken from:

Hurst, Marlene. (2008). Hurstreviews: Pathophysiology review. Brookhaven, Mississippi:

McGraw Hill.

What can nurses do to confront teenage smokers (think about developmental stage) to get them to quit?

For teenagers I believe the best way to get them to think about quitting smoking is explaining and showing them the affects of smoking. Education is the best way to treat them as adults, so that is what we have to keep in mind. Many this age are smoking to explore or to try to fit in with others, so during this developmental stage it is important to let them know you are not judging them and you are there to support whatever their decision may be because as we know teenagers don't like to be told what to do. I was actually lucky to have a best friend who started smoking when she was 12 years old, whom would never let me touch a cigarette even if I begged. Sometimes it is helpful to have people around you that will be there for you if they decide to quit.

If parents smoke, do you think their kids are more likely to smoke?

I definitely believe that parents play an important role on whether their kids smokes or choose not to smoke. If you expose you children to an environment with parents that smoke chances
are that their child will grow up to explore and are more likely to become smokers themselves. I believe that since these kids have cigarettes around their homes, they can get a hold of carcinogens easily without searcing for a supplier.

What is the most common cause of death in males and females under the age of 18?

The most common cause of death in males and females under the age of 18 would have to be motor vehicle accidents for the younger adults and injury for the rest of this age group. The main reason for motor vehicle accidents is that adolescent and young adults during this time are searching for an identity and are willing to take more risks than other age groups. Some kids may be invoved in gang activities and/or are exposed to firearms.

List one strength and one weakness in the next generation of school age kids and explain you answer.

One of the strength the next generation of school age kids will have is increased knowledge. I believe the kids in today's generation have more pressure in school to do well ad reach above and beyond their age level which is excellent in some ways, but scary at the same time. I can remember looking at my younger brother's school work when was in middle school and thinking to myself that I needed to review in order to actually help him out on his homework. Of course that was a few years ago which probably means that kids are expected t learn and know more then we did at their age.
The weakness I would consider with school age kids is the pressure they are under to fit in with the other students their age and how easily they can be influenced. I have heard many horror stories about what the kids in elementary/middle/& high school talk about and experience and trust me kids nowadays need early education in all different departments to help with prevention of smoking, pregnancy, drop out rates, drinking and drug abuse. I look at my nephew who is only 18 months and I have already decided that I want to home school him because of all the bad influences school will bring into his life. Just my thoughts:).