Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients with Breast Disorders Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients with Breast Disorders related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old woman whose aunt and mother died of breast cancer. The patient states, My doctor and I talked about Tamoxifen to help prevent breast cancer. Do you think it will work? What would be the nurses best response?

  • A. Yes, its known to have a slight protective effect.
  • B. Yes, but studies also show an increased risk of osteoporosis.
  • C. You wont need to worry about getting cancer as long as you take Tamoxifen.
  • D. Tamoxifen is known to be a highly effective protective measure.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator proven to significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer in high-risk women, making it a highly effective chemopreventive agent. It does not eliminate risk entirely, and it also helps prevent osteoporosis, not increase it. A slight protective effect understates its efficacy.