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
The nurse should respond to the client’s concern by saying “You are worried about having to wear a colostomy bag?” This response acknowledges the client’s concern and allows the client to express their feelings and concerns about the potential colostomy.

Choice A is not an appropriate response because it dismisses the client’s current concern and delays addressing it until after the surgery.
Choice C is not an appropriate response because it does not address the client’s concern about wearing a colostomy bag.
Choice D is not an appropriate response because it shifts the focus away from the client’s concern and onto someone else.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This statement indicates that the nurse should properly position the fracture bedpan to facilitate its use.
The shallow end of the fracture bedpan should be placed under the client’s buttocks to provide support and comfort.

Choice B is wrong because hyperextending the client’s back can cause discomfort and may not facilitate the use of the fracture bedpan.
Choice C is wrong because it is not necessary for the client to try to defecate for 20 minutes while on the fracture bedpan.
Choice D is wrong because keeping the bed flat may not provide the most comfortable position for the client while using the fracture bedpan.
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