Author Question: A female patient tells the nurse that she does not want to have annual mammograms because the x-rays ... (Read 93 times)

jace · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A female patient tells the nurse that she does not want to have annual mammograms because the x-rays can cause cancer. How should the nurse respond to this patient?

1. Breast cancer is the number one type of cancer in females. The risk of developing cancer from the x-rays is considerably lower than the risk of having undiagnosed breast cancer.
2. I don't blame you. X-rays do cause cancer.
3. Be sure to do monthly breast exams.
4. Contact your doctor if you notice any breast changes, feel any lumps, or develop breast pain since these are all symptoms of active breast cancer.

Question 2

The nurse is concerned that a patient is at increased risk for developing cancer. What did the nurse assess to come to this conclusion?

1. age 51, spouse deceased, downsized from employment, history of back and leg pain
2. age 52, plays tennis twice a week, no alcohol intake, occasionally smokes a cigarette
3. age 45, premenopausal, not planning to use hormone replacement therapy
4. age 50, employed as a computer technician, uses the fitness center five times a week

dawsa925 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The nurse should respond by saying that breast cancer is the number one type of cancer in females and that the risk of developing cancer from x-rays is considerably lower than the risk of having undiagnosed breast cancer. The nurse should not support the patient's belief that x-rays cause cancer. The nurse should instruct the patient to perform monthly breast self-examinations; however, that is not the best response in this situation. Monthly breast examinations should not be used in place of routine mammograms. Breast changes, lumps, and breast pain are not definitive symptoms of breast cancer.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
The patient who is 51 with a deceased spouse, downsized from employment, and has a history of back and leg pain is experiencing a great deal of stress. Stress resulting from severe and/or cumulative losses is also implicated in promoting cancer. These losses, which are common to older adults, include the death of a spouse or friends, loss of position and status in society, and a decline in physical abilities. These repeated stressors can damage the immune system that may lead to the development of cancer. The other patients have fewer risk factors for the development of cancer.