A male patient with breast cancer is being seen at the cancer ...

[LCritchfi]

A male patient with breast cancer is being seen at the cancer center, and one of the nurses says, I'm not sure what to do for this patient. He doesn't have the same issues as a woman What is the most appropriate response?
 
  1. Caring for the man with breast cancer is essentially the same as for the woman with breast cancer.
  2. Most issues are the same for men and women, but he probably won't die because of his disease.
  3. There are different types of cancers in men than women, and that needs to be reviewed.
  4. Treatments are different, so you will need to explain these.

Question 2

The wife of a patient who is scheduled for a radical prostatectomy calls the clinic to ask the nurse if this impending surgery is going to affect their sex life. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?
 
  1. The incidence of sexual dysfunction varies considerably among patients having this surgery. Why don't you and your husband make an appointment so we can discuss this together?
  2. No, it shouldn't, but you need to talk to the surgeon. You should come to the office when you can.
  3. I can't answer any of your questions without first talking to your husband. Have him call me so I can get his permission.
  4. Don't worry; the hospital staff will review everything with you the morning of your husband's surgery.

[irishcancer18]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Nursing care for the man with breast cancer is essentially the same as for the woman with breast cancer. Psychosocial concerns, embarrassment or shame about his condition, fear about the life-threatening aspect of the disease, and family concerns should be addressed to help the patient and family move toward healing. Because many men believe breast cancer is a woman's disease, they often delay seeking medical attention and may present with more advanced disease. Male breast cancer is clinically and histologically similar to female breast cancer. Treatment of male breast cancer is much the same as for women.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Surgical treatment of prostate disorders may cause ED and changes in ejaculatory function. Hormone therapy, a possible diagnosis of cancer, body image changes, fear of the effects of treatment on sexual health and reactions to the surgery are all important considerations and may affect sexual performance. It is important to know the patient's pretreatment sexual function, teach about the effects of therapy on sexual function, and offer the opportunity for the patient and his partner to discuss their concerns about sexual health. The nurse cannot know if sexual health will be affected. HIPAA guidelines should be followed, but this response does not address the wife's concerns or allow the nurse to offer the support to the wife. It is important to assess the spouse/partner's sexuality concerns because this will ultimately affect the man's decisions and well-being. Addressing the wife's concerns should not be delayed.