A woman with breast cancer is undergoing chemotherapy. Which side effect would the nurse interpret as being most serious?

Choice A: Refusing to look at the dressing or surgical incision is the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate difficulty adjusting to the loss of her breast. Refusing to look at the dressing or surgical incision may reflect denial, avoidance, or fear of facing the reality of the surgery and its consequences. It may also indicate low self-esteem, body image disturbance, or depression. The nurse should assess the client's emotional state and provide support and education.

Choice B: Asking questions about the information on her postoperative care pamphlet is not the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate a positive adjustment to the loss of her breast. Asking questions about the information on her postoperative care pamphlet may reflect acceptance, curiosity, or motivation to learn about her condition and treatment. It may also indicate high self-efficacy, coping skills, or optimism. The nurse should encourage the client's involvement and provide clear and accurate information.

Choice C: Performing arm exercises once or twice a day is not the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate a positive adjustment to the loss of her breast. Performing arm exercises once or twice a day may reflect compliance, responsibility, or self-care. It may also indicate physical recovery, functional ability, or quality of life. The nurse should reinforce the client's efforts and provide feedback and guidance.

Choice D: Asking for pain medication every 3 hours is not the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate a normal response to the loss of her breast. Asking for pain medication every 3 hours may reflect pain management, comfort, or relief. It may also indicate trust, communication, or satisfaction with care. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and provide adequate and timely pain relief.

Choice A: Ask the client's English-speaking family member to translate. This action is not appropriate because it may compromise the accuracy and confidentiality of the information. The family member may not have sufficient medical knowledge or vocabulary to translate correctly or may omit or alter some details due to personal bias or embarrassment.

Choice B: Use a translation dictionary to reinforce the teaching. This action is not appropriate because it may be time-consuming and ineffective. The translation dictionary may not have all the relevant terms or phrases or may provide inaccurate or ambiguous translations. The nurse may also lose the client's attention or interest by relying on the dictionary.

Choice C: Seek assistance from a facility-approved interpreter. This action is appropriate because it ensures the quality and clarity of the communication. The facility-approved interpreter is a professional who has the skills and training to provide accurate and unbiased translation of the information. The interpreter can also facilitate the interaction and feedback between the nurse and the client.

Choice D: Ask an assistive personnel (AP) who speaks the client's language to serve as an interpreter. This action is not appropriate because it may violate the scope of practice and ethical standards of the AP. The AP may not have the qualifications or authority to provide interpretation services or may have a conflict of interest or role confusion with the client. The AP may also have other duties or responsibilities that may interfere with the interpretation process.