Nokea
A nurse is assessing a female client who is taking progestins. What assessment finding requires the nurse to notify the provider immediately?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Progestins, used in some cancer treatments (e.g., endometrial cancer), increase thromboembolism risk due to their hormonal effects on clotting factors. A red, warm, swollen calf suggests deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a medical emergency requiring immediate provider notification to prevent pulmonary embolism. Irregular menses, edema, and breast tenderness are common side effects of progestins, manageable with monitoring or symptomatic relief, and don't pose the same urgency. DVT's potential to escalate rapidly into a life-threatening condition prioritizes it over other findings. The nurse's prompt reporting ensures timely imaging (e.g., ultrasound) and anticoagulation therapy, aligning with oncology nursing's focus on vigilant complication detection in hormonally treated clients.