A 58-year-old woman tells the nurse, I understand that I have ...

[geodog55]

A 58-year-old woman tells the nurse, I understand that I have stage II breast cancer and I need to decide on a surgery, but I feel overwhelmed. What do you think I should do? Which response by the nurse is best?
 
  a. I would have a lumpectomy, but you need to decide what is best for you.
  b. Tell me what you understand about the surgical options that are available.
  c. It would not be appropriate for me to make a decision about your health.
  d. There is no need to make a decision rapidly; you have time to think about this.

Question 2

During a well woman physical exam, a 43-year-old patient asks about her risk for breast cancer. Which question is most pertinent for the nurse to ask?
 
  a. Do you currently smoke tobacco?
  b. Have you ever had a breast injury?
  c. At what age did you start having menstrual periods?
  d. Is there a family history of fibrocystic breast changes?

[BAOCHAU2803]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Inquiring about the patient's understanding shows the nurse's willingness to assist the patient with the decision-making process without imposing the nurse's values or opinions. Treatment decisions for breast cancer do need to be made relatively quickly. Imposing the nurse's opinions or showing an unwillingness to discuss the topic could cut off communication.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Early menarche and late menopause are risk factors for breast cancer because of the prolonged exposure to estrogen that occurs. Cigarette smoking, breast trauma, and fibrocystic breast changes are not associated with increased breast cancer risk.

[geodog55]

TYSM

[Joy Chen]

Excellent