Maternal Disorders Related

Review Maternal Disorders related questions and content

A nurse is providing preoperative teaching for a woman who is undergoing a total mastectomy. Which will this teaching include? Select all that apply.

  • A. Explain that she will have an IV, a drain, and a dressing in place on awakening. Tell her about expectations she may have regarding physical appearance, pain management, equipment that will be used (IVs, drains, etc.).
  • B. Explain that she will be provided pain management as needed; monitor and review the pain scale to be used to identify level of intensity.
  • C. Have her elevate the affected arm with pillows.
  • D. Turn the woman every 4 hours, alternating between the unaffected side and affected side. To prevent pneumonia and complications, have her cough and take deep breaths every 2 hours, while nurse applies support to the chest.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Answer C (Correct Answer):
1. Elevating the affected arm with pillows post-mastectomy helps reduce swelling and promote lymphatic drainage, aiding in preventing lymphedema.
2. By elevating the arm, it reduces strain on the surgical site and surrounding tissues, promoting comfort and aiding in the healing process.
3. This positioning also helps in preventing postoperative complications such as shoulder stiffness and contractures.

Summary of Why Other Choices are Incorrect:
- Choice A: While important aspects of preoperative teaching, it does not specifically address the need to elevate the affected arm post-mastectomy.
- Choice B: Pain management is crucial, but it does not directly relate to the need for arm elevation post-mastectomy.
- Choice D: Turning every 4 hours and coughing exercises are important for preventing complications but do not address the specific need for arm elevation post-mastectomy.