Nokea
A 52-year-old woman has just been told she has breast cancer and is scheduled for a modified mastectomy the following week. The nurse caring for this patient knows that she is anxious and fearful about the upcoming procedure and the newly diagnosed malignancy. How can the nurse most likely alleviate this patients fears?
- A. Provide written material on the procedure that has been scheduled for the patient.
- B. Provide the patient with relevant information about expected recovery.
- C. Give the patient current information on breast cancer survival rates.
- D. Offer the patient alternative treatment options.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Providing realistic information about recovery helps reduce anxiety by setting clear expectations. Written materials alone may not suffice, survival rates may not address procedural fears, and offering alternatives is outside the nurse's scope.
You may also like to solve these questions
A patient has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and the nurse is performing a patient interview. In assessing this patients ability to cope with this diagnosis, what would be an appropriate question for the nurse to ask this patient?
- A. What is your level of education?
- B. Are you feeling alright these days?
- C. Is there someone you trust to help you make treatment choices?
- D. Are you concerned about receiving this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about a trusted support person assesses the patient's social resources for coping with treatment decisions. Education level is irrelevant, and vague or obvious questions about feelings or concern are less effective.
A patient has just been told she needs to have an incision of a right breast mass. During preoperative teaching, how could the nurse best assess this patient for specific needs she might have?
- A. By encouraging her to verbalize her questions and concerns
- B. By discussing the possible findings of the biopsy
- C. By discussing possible treatment options if the diagnosis is cancer
- D. By reviewing her medical history
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to verbalize questions and concerns helps identify her educational, physical, or psychosocial needs, tailoring preoperative care. Discussing biopsy findings or treatment options is physician-led, and medical history review is less direct.
A patient has presented for her annual mammogram. The patient voices concerns related to exposure to radiation. What should the nurse teach the patient about a mammogram?
- A. It does not use radiation.
- B. Radiation levels are safe as long as mammograms are performed only once per year.
- C. The negative effects of radiation do not accumulate until late in life.
- D. Radiation from a mammogram is equivalent to an hour of sunlight.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The radiation from a mammogram is minimal, equivalent to about an hour of sunlight exposure, making the benefits of early cancer detection outweigh the risks. Radiation is used, and effects do not specifically accumulate later in life; annual mammograms are safe.
A patient has had a total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The patient asks the nurse when she can take a shower. What should the nurse respond?
- A. Not until the drain is removed
- B. On the second postoperative day
- C. Now, if you wash gently with soap and water
- D. Seven days after your surgery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Showering is typically contraindicated until surgical drains are removed to prevent infection or disruption of the reconstruction site. Immediate or early showering risks complications, and a fixed timeline like seven days is not standard.
A new mother who is breastfeeding calls the clinic to speak to a nurse. The patient is complaining of pain in her left breast and describes her breast as feeling doughy. The nurse tells her to come into the clinic and be checked. The patient is diagnosed with acute mastitis and placed on antibiotics. What comfort measure should the nurse recommend?
- A. Apply cold compresses as ordered.
- B. Avoid wearing a bra until the infection clears.
- C. Avoid washing the breasts.
- D. Perform gentle massage to stimulate neutrophil migration.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cold compresses help relieve discomfort in acute mastitis by reducing inflammation. A snug bra supports the breast, hygiene is essential, and massage is not recommended as it may worsen the condition.