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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A calcium level of 11.5 mg/dL is elevated. Normal calcium levels typically range from 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL. Hypercalcemia can lead to various complications, including cardiac arrhythmias and neurological symptoms. The nurse should notify the provider of this finding for further evaluation and management.Choice B reason
Serum albumin level 3.9 g/dL is not appropriate. This level is within a reasonable range for serum albumin. It might be an indicator of nutritional status, but it's not an urgent concern.
Choice C reason:
Output exceeding intake over a 12-hour period may indicate fluid imbalance or inadequate intake compared to output. However, without further context, such as the client's overall fluid status, this finding alone may not be alarming. The nurse should assess the client's hydration status, consider potential causes of increased output, and address any concerns accordingly. While the nurse may need to monitor closely and address any potential issues, immediate notification of the provider may not be necessary based solely on this finding.Choice D reason:
Fasting blood glucose level 105 mg/dL is not appropriate: A fasting blood glucose level of 105 mg/dL is slightly elevated, but it's not a critically high value. The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels and collaborate with the healthcare team to manage blood glucose appropriately.
However, if the client has a history of diabetes or if there are other concerning factors, such as consistent high glucose levels or symptoms of hyperglycemia, the nurse may need to monitor closely and notify the provider for further evaluation and management. Otherwise, this finding alone may not warrant immediate notification.Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A raised lesion with a rolled border - This description might be more indicative of basal cell carcinoma, a different type of skin cancer.
Choice B Reason:
An irregular lesion with irregular borders. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin. One of the key characteristics of melanoma is the presence of an irregularly shaped lesion with irregular borders. Melanomas often have uneven, jagged, or notched edges that distinguish them from benign moles or lesions.
Choice C Reason:
A reddened lesion with dilated blood vessels - This description might be more indicative of a vascular lesion or hemangioma, which is not a melanoma.
Choice D Reason:
A scaly lesion with a crusted appearance - This description might be more indicative of squamous cell carcinoma, another type of skin cancer.

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