ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 58 : Assessment and Management of Patients with Breast Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse has assessed that a patient is not yet willing to view her mastectomy site. How should the nurse best assist the patient in developing a positive body image?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Empathic encouragement supports the patient's gradual acceptance of her changed appearance without pressure. Asking her to describe the site may increase distress, downplaying the experience is dismissive, and negating physical appearance may not resonate.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has had a total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The patient asks the nurse when she can take a shower. What should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Showering is typically contraindicated until surgical drains are removed to prevent infection or disruption of the reconstruction site. Immediate or early showering risks complications, and a fixed timeline like seven days is not standard.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has been discharged home after a total mastectomy without reconstruction. The patient lives alone and has a home health referral. When the home care nurse performs the first scheduled visit to this patient, what should the nurse assess? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: The home care nurse assesses incision and drain integrity, adherence to exercises to prevent lymphedema, and psychological functioning to ensure recovery. Cancer understanding is less critical at this stage, and prosthesis use is typically addressed later.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and the nurse is performing a patient interview. In assessing this patients ability to cope with this diagnosis, what would be an appropriate question for the nurse to ask this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about a trusted support person assesses the patient's social resources for coping with treatment decisions. Education level is irrelevant, and vague or obvious questions about feelings or concern are less effective.
Question 5 of 5
A 35-year-old mother of three young children has been diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. After discussing treatment options with her physician, the woman goes home to talk to her husband, later calling the nurse for clarification of some points. The patient tells the nurse that the physician has recommended breast conservation surgery followed by radiation. The patients husband has done some online research and is asking why his wife does not have a modified radical mastectomy to be sure all the cancer is gone. What would be the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For stage II breast cancer, breast conservation surgery with radiation offers survival rates equivalent to modified radical mastectomy, per current guidelines. Mastectomies remain necessary in some cases, are not inherently riskier for recurrence, and their physical/emotional impact is not the primary reason for choosing conservation.