Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Breast Disorders Related

Review Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Breast Disorders related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a patient who is at menopausal symptoms and considering the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but is concerned about the risk of breast cancer. Which of the following information should the nurse include when discussing HRT with the patient?

  • A. HRT does not appear to increase the risk for breast cancer unless there are other risk factors.
  • B. HRT is a safe therapy for menopausal symptoms if there is no family history of $BRCA$ genes.
  • C. She and her health care provider must weigh the benefits of HRT against the possible risks of breast cancer.
  • D. Alternative therapies with herbs and natural drugs are as effective as estrogen in relieving menopausal symptoms.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Because Happened to have been linked to increased risk for breast cancer, the patient and provider must determine whether or not to use HRT. Breast cancer incidence is increased in women using HRT, independent of other risk factors. HRT increases the risk for both non-BRCA-associated cancer and BRCA-related cancers. Alternative therapies can be used but are not consistent in relieving menopausal symptoms.