During an admission assessment of a client with colorectal cancer, which symptom should the nurse expect?

In a client with colorectal cancer, abdominal cramps are a common symptom that can arise from several factors related to the disease. As the cancer develops, it may cause obstruction or irritation within the intestines, leading to cramping sensations. Additionally, changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, often associated with this type of cancer, can also contribute to abdominal discomfort.

Patients with colorectal cancer may frequently experience changes in their gastrointestinal function. While nausea and vomiting can occur, they are not typically the most direct symptoms attributed to colorectal cancer specifically; they might be more related to side effects of treatment or other concurrent gastrointestinal issues. Weight gain is generally not associated with cancer, as many patients experience weight loss due to decreased appetite or increased metabolic demands from cancer itself. Fatigue is indeed a common symptom in cancer patients as well, but it is more generalized and not specific to colorectal cancer. Therefore, abdominal cramps closely align with the unique clinical presentation of colorectal cancer.