The nurse working in a postoperative surgical clinic is assessing a woman who had a left radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Which factor puts this client at greatest risk for developing lymphedema?
Her healthcare provider now prescribes a calcium channel blocker for hypertension.
She sustained an insect bite to her left arm yesterday.
She has lost twenty pounds since the surgery.
Her hobby is playing classical music on the piano.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Her healthcare provider prescribing a calcium channel blocker for hypertension is not directly linked to lymphedema.
Choice B rationale: Sustaining an insect bite to her left arm yesterday - Trauma or injury, such as an insect bite, to the affected limb post-mastectomy can increase the risk of
lymphedema.
Choice C rationale: Losing twenty pounds since the surgery might influence overall health but doesn’t specifically relate to lymphedema.
Choice D rationale: Her hobby of playing classical music on the piano is unrelated to the risk of developing lymphedema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Post-surgery, there's a risk of lymphedema in the affected arm, so avoiding procedures like venipuncture or blood pressure measurements in the left arm helps prevent complications.
Choice B rationale: Obtaining a permanent breast prosthesis is a consideration post- recovery but not an immediate priority upon return to the surgical unit.
Choice C rationale: Patient-controlled analgesia instructions are important but don't specifically address immediate care after mastectomy.
Choice D rationale: Insisting that the patient examine the surgical incision might not be appropriate upon return to the unit, and it's typically done by healthcare professionals during dressing changes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Performing active range of motion exercises may not be safe or appropriate immediately following a hemorrhagic stroke.
Choice B rationale: Maintaining the head of bed flat or at a 30-degree position might be used for ischemic strokes but not necessarily for hemorrhagic strokes.
Choice C rationale: Teaching measures to avoid the Valsalva maneuver (straining during activities like defecation) helps prevent sudden increases in intracranial pressure, which can be detrimental after a hemorrhagic stroke.
Choice D rationale: Monitoring for Battle's sign (bruising behind the ears associated with basilar skull fracture) is not relevant in the care of a hemorrhagic stroke.
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