Diagnostic testing for patients with lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death for men and women in the United States. The diagnosis of lung cancer is cause for fear and anxiety in the general population because more than 85% of people with lung cancer are dead within 5 years. A diagnosis of lung cancer begins with a thorough health assessment followed by appropriate diagnostic testing. The nurse has the greatest amount of interaction with the patient and can help to facilitate the diagnostic process in a manner that renders it less stressful and effective. The nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, goal setting, and evaluation guides the prepared nurse in accomplishing this task.