Nokea
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.
You may also like to solve these questions
A woman is considering breast reduction mammogram. When weighing the patients health risks, the nurse should confirm that the patient is aware that what factor?
- A. Chronic breast pain
- B. Unclear mammography results
- C. Increased risk of breast cancer
- D. Decreased nipple sensation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Breast reduction mammoplasty may result in decreased nipple sensation due to nerve disruption. It does not increase cancer risk, affect mammography clarity, or cause chronic pain.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has just had a radical mastectomy and axillary node dissection. When providing patient education regarding rehabilitation, what should the nurse recommend?
- A. Avoid exercise of the arm for next 2 months.
- B. Keep cuticles clipped neatly.
- C. Avoid lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds.
- D. Use a sling until healing is complete.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Post-axillary dissection, patients should avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 to 10 pounds to prevent lymphedema or injury. Arm exercises are encouraged, cuticles should not be cut to avoid infection, and slings are unnecessary.
A 45-year-old woman comes into the health clinic for her annual check-up. She mentions to the nurse that she has noticed dimpling of the right breast that has occurred in a few months. What assessment would be most appropriate for the nurse to make?
- A. Evaluate the patients milk production.
- B. Palpate the area for a breast mass.
- C. Assess the patients knowledge of breast cancer.
- D. Assure the patient that this is likely an age-related change.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dimpling of the breast is a concerning sign that may indicate an underlying breast mass or malignancy, such as breast cancer, due to possible lymphatic obstruction or tumor fixation. Palpating the area to assess for a mass is the most appropriate action to identify potential pathology and determine the need for referral. Evaluating milk production is irrelevant as there is no indication of lactation. Assessing knowledge is secondary to physical examination, and dimpling is not an age-related change.
A patient in her 30 s has two young children and has just had a modified radical mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The patient shares with the nurse that she is somewhat worried about her future, but she appears to be adjusting well to her diagnosis and surgery. What nursing intervention is most appropriate to support this patients coping?
- A. Encourage the patients spouse or partner to be supportive while she recovers.
- B. Encourage the patient to proceed with the next phase of treatment.
- C. Recommend that the patient remain optimistic for the sake of her children.
- D. Arrange a referral to a community-based support program.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Referring the patient to a community-based support program connects her with others who have similar experiences, supporting her coping without assuming distress. Encouraging spousal support or optimism may be inappropriate, and treatment decisions are physician-led.
For which of the following population groups would an annual clinical breast examination be recommended?
- A. Women over age 21
- B. Women over age 25
- C. Women over age 40
- D. All post-pubescent females with a family history of breast cancer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Annual clinical breast examinations are recommended for women aged 40 and older as part of routine breast cancer screening. Younger women may require less frequent exams unless at high risk, such as those with a family history.