A nurse is caring for a client who is one day postoperative following a left radical mastectomy. Which of the following behaviors should alert the nurse to the possibility that the client is having difficulty adjusting to the loss of her breast?
Refusing to look at the dressing or surgical incision
Asking questions about the information on her postoperative care pamphlet
Performing arm exercises once or twice a day
Asking for pain medication every 3 hours
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Refusing to look at the dressing or surgical incision is the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate difficulty adjusting to the loss of her breast. Refusing to look at the dressing or surgical incision may reflect denial, avoidance, or fear of facing the reality of the surgery and its consequences. It may also indicate low self-esteem, body image disturbance, or depression. The nurse should assess the client's emotional state and provide support and education.
Choice B: Asking questions about the information on her postoperative care pamphlet is not the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate a positive adjustment to the loss of her breast. Asking questions about the information on her postoperative care pamphlet may reflect acceptance, curiosity, or motivation to learn about her condition and treatment. It may also indicate high self-efficacy, coping skills, or optimism. The nurse should encourage the client's involvement and provide clear and accurate information.
Choice C: Performing arm exercises once or twice a day is not the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate a positive adjustment to the loss of her breast. Performing arm exercises once or twice a day may reflect compliance, responsibility, or self-care. It may also indicate physical recovery, functional ability, or quality of life. The nurse should reinforce the client's efforts and provide feedback and guidance.
Choice D: Asking for pain medication every 3 hours is not the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate a normal response to the loss of her breast. Asking for pain medication every 3 hours may reflect pain management, comfort, or relief. It may also indicate trust, communication, or satisfaction with care. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and provide adequate and timely pain relief.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Vaginal pH of 3 is not the correct answer because it is not a finding of bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the vaginal environment is. A normal vaginal pH ranges from 3.8 to 4.5, which helps prevent infections by maintaining a balance of healthy bacteria (lactobacilli). Bacterial vaginosis can cause an increase in vaginal pH above 4.5, which allows harmful bacteria (anaerobes) to grow and cause symptoms.
Choice B: Cervical bleeding on contact is not the correct answer because it is not a finding of bacterial vaginosis. Cervical bleeding on contact is a sign of inflammation or injury to the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It can be caused by various factors such as infection, trauma, or cancer. Bacterial vaginosis does not affect the cervix directly, but it can increase the risk of other infections or complications that may cause cervical bleeding.
Choice C: Fishy odor of discharge is the correct answer because it is a finding of bacterial vaginosis. The fishy odor of discharge is a characteristic symptom of bacterial vaginosis that occurs due to the breakdown of organic compounds (amines) by the anaerobic bacteria. The odor is usually more noticeable after sexual intercourse or during menstruation.
Choice D: Yellowish-green discharge is not the correct answer because it is not a finding of bacterial vaginosis. Yellowish-green discharge is a sign of infection or inflammation of the vagina or cervix, such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. These infections can cause symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain in the genital area. Bacterial vaginosis usually causes a thin, gray-white, or milky discharge that does not cause irritation or discomfort.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Reports of itching, tingling and pain in genital area are the correct answer because they are common symptoms of genital herpes. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause outbreaks of painful blisters or sores on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth. The blisters or sores usually heal within a few weeks, but the virus remains in the body and can reactivate at any time. Before an outbreak, some people may experience prodromal symptoms such as itching, tingling, or pain in the affected area.
Choice B: Painful urination with a penile discharge present is not the correct answer because it is more likely a symptom of another STI, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are bacterial infections that can affect the urethra, cervix, rectum, or throat. They can cause symptoms such as burning or pain during urination, abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina, or bleeding between periods.
Choice C: Wart-like flesh-colored lesions on the scrotal area are not the correct answer because they are more likely a symptom of another STI, such as human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a viral infection that can cause genital warts or cervical cancer. Genital warts are small, soft, flesh-colored growths that can appear on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth. They may be flat, raised, or cauliflower-shaped.
Choice D: A chancre on the penis is not the correct answer because it is more likely a symptom of another STI, such as syphilis. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can affect various organs and systems of the body. It has four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. In the primary stage, syphilis causes a painless sore called a chancre that can appear on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth. The chancre usually heals within a few weeks, but the infection can progress to the next stages if left untreated.
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