Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client with breast cancer and removal of axillary lymph nodes. Which assessment finding is documented and brought to the physician's attention as potential lymphedema?
- A. A reddened area around the breast
- B. Fluid accumulation under in the axilla
- C. Enlargement of the arm
- D. Pain in the chest wall
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Enlargement of the arm is a key sign of lymphedema, which can occur after axillary lymph node removal due to impaired lymphatic drainage. A reddened area around the breast may indicate infection or inflammation, not lymphedema. Fluid accumulation under the axilla could be a seroma, not lymphedema. Pain in the chest wall is not specific to lymphedema.
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The nurse is caring for four clients in an oncology unit. Following report, which client would the nurse identify as having the most life-threatening diagnosis?
- A. A client with stage IV cancer receiving palliative care
- B. A client diagnosed with a stage one tumor with no lymph node involvement
- C. A client receiving chemotherapy and radiation with a low blood count
- D. A client with an estrogen receptor-positive tumor receiving oral chemotherapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client with stage IV cancer, indicating metastasis, and receiving palliative care, which includes comfort measures, is in highest life-threatening condition. A client with a stage I tumor and no lymph node involvement has a good prognosis as the cancer has been caught at an early stage. A low blood count is common when the client is receiving chemotherapy. It is common to have chemotherapy and radiation as a treatment regimen. Clients have experienced good prognosis with estrogen receptor positive tumor treatment of oral chemotherapy.
The nurse is working at an oncologist's office specializing in breast cancer. The nurse cares for individuals of varied ages, backgrounds, and stages of breast cancer. Which criteria are considered a priority when determining adjunct treatment in addition to surgery? Select all that apply.
- A. Stage of tumor
- B. Cosmetic consequence
- C. Presence of metastasis
- D. Age
- E. Gender
- F. Sensitivity to estrogen
Correct Answer: A,C,D,F
Rationale: When working in an oncologist's office, the nurse is correct to identify that the stage of tumor and presence of metastasis help to guide treatment. Other factors include age of client and sensitivity to estrogen. Cosmetic consequence is not considered a priority when considering lifesaving treatment options. Many times, reconstruction is a possibility. Gender is not a consideration because treatment options are very similar.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with ductal carcinoma and lymph node involvement. Which diagnostic test, ordered by the physician, does the nurse identify as assessing possible metastasis?
- A. A complete blood count
- B. A chest x-ray
- C. A multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) scan
- D. A bone density test
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A chest x-ray can identify any tumors present in the lung fields. Lymph nodes containing cancer cells are commonly involved in metastasis, which most frequently spreads to the skeletal and pulmonary systems (in that order). In addition, metastases may be found in the brain, adrenals, and liver. A blood count will not detect metastasis. A bone density study or MUGA scan will not detect metastasis.
The lactation nurse is caring for a mother who is 2 weeks postpartum and has mastitis. Which statement, made by the client, requires instruction and is the probable cause of the mastitis?
- A. I feed the baby every 2 hours.
- B. I break the baby's such before pulling the baby off of the breast.
- C. I nurse the baby on one breast each feeding.
- D. I use a lanolin ointment on my dry nipples.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Because the client has mastitis, emptying each breast with alternate feedings is important. The baby's such is strongest at the beginning of the feeding, thus, the mother should alternate the breast that the baby starts nursing from. If not, one breast would not be drained of the milk.
A client with a painless, firm, notender lump in the breast is being scheduled for diagnostic testing. Which test would the nurse expect the physician to order?
- A. Standard mammogram
- B. Ultrasound
- C. Excisional biopsy
- D. Culture of discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ultrasound can reveal physical characteristics unique to a fibroadenom a versus malignant mass with a higher degree of accuracy than standard mammography. In the case of very young women - an atypical age for breast cancer - an excisional biopsy is performed only if the mass changes or becomes larger. If the mass is detected in a woman with a higher risk for developing breast cancer, such as one with a family history or of an older age, a biopsy is performed to confirm that the tissue is indeed benign. There is no discharge to culture.