A nurse is caring for a client following a bilateral mastectomy. The client is often tearful and avoids looking at her dressings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Refer the client to a breast cancer support group.
Identify the impact of the mastectomy on the client's body image.
Encourage the client to assist with her dressing changes.
Provide the client with a mirror to look at her mastectomy incisions.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should first identify the impact of the mastectomy on the client’s body image.
This is because the client’s behavior of avoiding looking at her dressings and being tearful suggests that she may be struggling with changes to her body image after the surgery.
By identifying and addressing this issue, the nurse can provide appropriate emotional support and interventions to help the client cope with these changes.

Choice A is not the first action the nurse should take because referring the client to a breast cancer support group may be helpful, but it is not addressing the immediate concern of the client’s emotional state.
Choice C is not the first action because encouraging the client to assist with her dressing changes may be premature if she is still struggling emotionally with her body image.
Choice D is not the first action because providing the client with a mirror to look at her mastectomy incisions may be overwhelming for her if she is not yet ready to confront her changed appearance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Assisting with ambulation for a client who has a pulmonary infection.
Assistive personnel can perform basic nursing care functions such as assisting patients with mobility.

Choice A is wrong because showing a client how to use an incentive spirometer prior to surgery requires more specialized knowledge and training.
Choice C is wrong because irrigating a client’s infected surgical wound is a more complex medical procedure that should be performed by a licensed nurse.
Choice D is wrong because inserting a glycerin suppository for a client who is constipated is also a more complex medical procedure that should be performed by a licensed nurse.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
“I should limit the time that I spend sitting in a chair.” This is important because sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of thrombus formation.
Choice A is wrong because crossing the legs while sitting can impede blood flow and increase the risk of thrombus formation.
Choice B is wrong because leg exercises should be performed more frequently than once every 4 hours while awake.
Choice D is wrong because massaging the legs when they hurt can dislodge a thrombus and cause it to travel to other parts of the body.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
