foundations of nursing test bank Related

Review foundations of nursing test bank related questions and content

A woman is being treated for a tumor of the left breast. If the patient and her physician opt for prophylactic treatment, the nurse should prepare the woman for what intervention?

  • A. More aggressive chemotherapy
  • B. Left mastectomy
  • C. Radiation therapy
  • D. Bilateral mastectomy
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bilateral mastectomy. This intervention involves removing both breasts to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. For a woman with a history of breast cancer in one breast, opting for bilateral mastectomy can significantly decrease the likelihood of cancer recurrence. This proactive approach is often recommended for individuals with a high risk of developing breast cancer.

Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: More aggressive chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is typically used to treat existing cancer cells, not as a prophylactic measure to prevent cancer.
B: Left mastectomy - This option only removes the affected breast, not addressing the risk of cancer developing in the other breast.
C: Radiation therapy - While radiation therapy can be used as part of the treatment for breast cancer, it is not a prophylactic measure to prevent future cancer development in the contralateral breast.