The nurse will teach a patient with metastatic breast cancer who ...

[ts19998]

The nurse will teach a patient with metastatic breast cancer who has a new prescription for trastuzumab (Herceptin) that
 
  a. hot flashes may occur with the medication.
  b. serum electrolyte levels will be drawn monthly.
  c. the patient will need frequent eye examinations.
  d. the patient should call if she notices ankle swelling.

Question 2

A 53-year-old woman at menopause is discussing the use of hormone therapy (HT) with the nurse. Which information about the risk of breast cancer will the nurse provide?
 
  a. HT is a safe therapy for menopausal symptoms if there is no family history of BRCA genes.
  b. HT does not appear to increase the risk for breast cancer unless there are other risk factors.
  c. The patient and her health care provider must weigh the benefits of HT against the risks of breast cancer.
  d. Natural herbs are as effective as estrogen in relieving symptoms without increasing the risk of breast cancer.

[alexisweber49]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Trastuzumab can lead to ventricular dysfunction, so the patient is taught to self-monitor for symptoms of heart failure. There is no need to monitor serum electrolyte levels. Hot flashes or changes in visual acuity may occur with tamoxifen, but not with trastuzumab.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Because HT has been linked to increased risk for breast cancer, the patient and provider must determine whether or not to use HT. Breast cancer incidence is increased in women using HT, independent of other risk factors. HT increases the risk for both nonBRCA-associated cancer and BRCA-related cancers. Alternative therapies can be used but are not consistent in relieving menopausal symptoms.

[ts19998]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[ghepp]

TYSM