A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a modified left mastectomy. Which statements by the client indicate an understanding of the teaching?
"I will keep my left arm flexed at the elbow as much as possible."
"I will have to wait 2 months before additional saline can be added to my breast expander."
"should expect less than 25 mL of secretions per day in the drainage devices."
"I will perform strength-building arm exercises using a 15-pound weight."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
"will keep my left arm flexed at the elbow as much as possible": This statement is incorrect because after a mastectomy, it's important to promote full range of motion in the affected arm to prevent complications like contractures and lymphedema.
Choice B reason:
“will have to wait 2 months before additional saline can be added to my breast expander" This is the correct statement. Following a modified radical mastectomy with a breast expander, additional saline is often added gradually to the expander to stretch the skin and muscle for reconstruction. The waiting period between saline additions allows for healing and proper tissue expansion. This statement indicates that the client understands the postoperative care and timeline.
Choice C reason:
"should expect less than 25 ml of secretions per day in the drainage devices": This statement is not accurate because the drainage amount can vary, and 25 ml per day might not be an accurate estimate.
Choice D reason:
"will perform strength-building arm exercises using a 15-pound weight": This statement is not appropriate, especially shortly after surgery. Gradual and gentle strength-building exercises are recommended, and using a 15-pound weight could be too strenuous and potentially harmful.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
WBC count 8,400/mm3 is not appropriate. This white blood cell count is within the normal range and is not a cause for concern.
Choice B reason:
Serosanguineous exudate noted on dressing change is not appropriate. Serosanguineous drainage is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing and is expected after surgery.
Choice C reason:
Reports pain of 4 on a scale from 0 to 10 when coughing is not appropriate. A pain level of 4 out of 10 with coughing is a common and expected finding following an appendectomy. It's important for the nurse to assess and manage pain, but this is not an urgent concern.
Choice D reason:
Haemoglobin 10 mg/dL is appropriate. Haemoglobin level of 10 mg/dL indicates a low level of haemoglobin, which might suggest anaemia or blood loss. Reporting this finding to the provider is important as it could indicate a need for further evaluation or intervention.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an oxygen saturation of 89% is correct. The nurse should attend to the client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an oxygen saturation of 89% first. Oxygen saturation levels below 90% indicate significant hypoxemia and potential respiratory distress. The client with COPD is at risk for further worsening of their condition due to inadequate oxygenation. Therefore, addressing this client's low oxygen saturation is a priority to ensure their respiratory status is stabilized.
Choice B Reason:
A client who has multiple sclerosis and reports ataxia and vertigo is incorrect. While these symptoms need assessment and care, they are not indicative of an immediate life-threatening situation.
Choice CReason:
A client who has left-sided paralysis and slurred speech from a prior stroke is incorrect., While this client requires ongoing care, the immediate concern is lower in priority compared to addressing severe hypoxemia.
Choice DReason:
A client who has thrombocytopenia and reports a nosebleed is incorrect. Although a nosebleed can be concerning due to thrombocytopenia, it is not as immediately critical as addressing severe hypoxemia.
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