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A patient who came to the clinic after finding a mass in her breast is scheduled for a diagnostic breast biopsy. During the nurses admission assessment, the nurse observes that the patient is distracted and tense. What is it important for the nurse to do?
- A. Acknowledge the fear the patient is likely experiencing.
- B. Describe the support groups that exist in the community.
- C. Assess the patients stress management skills.
- D. Document a nursing diagnosis of ineffective coping.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acknowledging the patient's fear validates her emotions and opens communication, which is crucial during the diagnostic phase of a potential breast cancer diagnosis. Referring to support groups or assessing stress management is premature, and diagnosing ineffective coping assumes a problem not yet confirmed.
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A 23-year-old woman comes to the free clinic stating I think I have a lump in my breast. Do I have cancer? The nurse instructs the patient that a diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed by what?
- A. Supervised breast self-examination
- B. Mammography
- C. Fine-needle aspiration
- D. Chest x-ray
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fine-needle aspiration or biopsy provides histologic confirmation of breast cancer, making it the definitive diagnostic method. Breast self-examination and mammography are screening tools, not diagnostic, and chest x-rays are used for metastasis evaluation, not primary diagnosis.
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 woman aged years comes into the clinic because she has discovered a lump in her breast. After diagnostic testing, the patient receives a diagnosis of cancer. The nurse asks when patients should begin mammography. What is the nurses best advice?
- A. Age 28
- B. Age 35
- C. Age 38
- D. Age 48
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For women with a first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at age 48, screening mammography should begin 5 to 10 years earlier than the age of diagnosis, but not before age 25. Starting at age 38 aligns with this guideline, providing early detection for those at increased familial risk.
A nurse has assessed that a patient is not yet willing to view her mastectomy site. How should the nurse best assist the patient in developing a positive body image?
- A. Ask the woman to describe the current appearance of her breast.
- B. Help the patient to understand that many women have gone through the same unpleasant experience.
- C. Explain to the patient that her body image does not have to depend on her physical appearance.
- D. Provide the patient with encouragement in an empathic and thoughtful manner.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Empathic encouragement supports the patient's gradual acceptance of her changed appearance without pressure. Asking her to describe the site may increase distress, downplaying the experience is dismissive, and negating physical appearance may not resonate.
A nurse is explaining that each breast contains 12 to 20 cone-shaped lobes. The nurse should explain that each lobe consists of what elements?
- A. Modified tendons and ligaments
- B. Connective tissue and smooth muscle
- C. Lobules and ducts
- D. Endocrine glands and sebaceous glands
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Each breast lobe consists of lobules (milk-producing glands) and ducts (milk transport), which are the functional units of the breast. Tendons, ligaments, smooth muscle, or endocrine/sebaceous glands are not primary components.