Which nursing action should be included in the plan of care for a patient returning to the surgical unit following a left modified radical mastectomy with dissection of axillary lymph nodes?
a. Obtain a permanent breast prosthesis before the patient is discharged from the hospital.
b. Teach the patient to use the ordered patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) every 10 minutes.
c. Post a sign at the bedside warning against venipunctures or blood pressures in the left arm.
d. Insist that the patient examine the surgical incision when the initial dressings are removed.
Question 2The nurse provides discharge teaching for a 61-year-old patient who has had a left modified radical mastectomy and lymph node dissection. Which statement by the patient indicates that teaching has been successful?
a. I will need to use my right arm and to rest the left one.
b. I will avoid reaching over the stove with my left hand.
c. I will keep my left arm in a sling until the incision is healed.
d. I will stop the left arm exercises if moving the arm is painful.
Question 3A 33-year-old patient has a saline breast implant inserted in the outpatient surgery area. Which instruction will the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
a. Take aspirin every 4 hours to reduce inflammation.
b. Check wound drains for excessive blood or a foul odor.
c. Wear a loose-fitting bra to decrease irritation of the sutures.
d. Resume normal activities 2 to 3 days after the mammoplasty.
Question 4Which assessment finding in a 36-year-old patient is most indicative of a need for further evaluation?
a. Bilateral breast nodules that are tender with palpation
b. A breast nodule that is 1 cm in size, nontender, and fixed
c. A breast lump that increases in size before the menstrual period
d. A breast lump that is small, mobile, with a rubbery consistency