Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which statement about Wilms tumor is incorrect?

1. The most frequent clinical sign is a palpable abdominal mass

2. It is a congenital tumor of the kidney

3. Microscopic or gross hematuria is sometimes present

4. The tumor commonly crosses the midline of the abdomen when it is discovered

The correct answer is: The tumor commonly crosses the midline of the abdomen when it is discovered

The statement that the tumor commonly crosses the midline of the abdomen when it is discovered is incorrect. Wilms tumor, or nephroblastoma, is typically unilateral. This means that it usually affects one kidney and remains confined to that side. In most cases, when a Wilms tumor is diagnosed, it is palpated as a mass in the abdomen, but this mass does not typically extend across the midline. Understanding the features of Wilms tumor is crucial for recognizing its characteristics. The other statements accurately reflect the known aspects of this condition. For example, a palpable abdominal mass is indeed the most frequent clinical sign in Wilms tumor, which helps in its early detection. It is also categorized as a congenital tumor, frequently diagnosed in children. Additionally, hematuria – either microscopic or gross – is a possible symptom, indicating that blood may be present in the urine. These features support a more comprehensive understanding of how Wilms tumor presents in clinical practice.