A nurse is caring for a patient with gynecologic cancer who is experiencing lymphedema as a complication.
What interventions should the nurse implement for this patient's care?
Elevate the affected limb and apply cold compresses.
Avoid discussing the lymphedema to prevent emotional distress.
Encourage the patient to use the affected limb as much as possible.
Administer prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection in the affected area.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Elevating the affected limb and applying cold compresses is a standard nursing intervention for managing lymphedema.
Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in tissues, leading to swelling.
Elevation and cold compresses can help reduce swelling by promoting lymphatic drainage and vasoconstriction.
This intervention can provide relief and improve the patient's comfort.
Now, let's explain why the other choices are not correct:
Choice B rationale:
Avoiding discussing lymphedema to prevent emotional distress is not an appropriate approach.
Open and honest communication with the patient about their condition is essential.
Providing information and addressing the patient's concerns can help them cope with lymphedema and adhere to treatment recommendations.
Avoiding the topic may lead to increased anxiety and uncertainty.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the patient to use the affected limb as much as possible is not recommended for managing lymphedema.
Overuse of the affected limb can worsen swelling and discomfort.
Patients with lymphedema are usually advised to avoid activities that may exacerbate the condition and to follow specific guidelines for limb care and exercise.
Choice D rationale:
Administering prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection in the affected area is not a standard intervention for lymphedema management.
While it's important to prevent infections in patients with lymphedema, antibiotics are typically prescribed when an infection is present, not as a prophylactic measure.
Proper hygiene and skincare are essential for infection prevention in lymphedema patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Age is indeed a significant risk factor for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer risk increases with age, with the majority of cases occurring in women over the age of 50.
Younger women can still develop ovarian cancer, but age is a significant factor.
Choice B rationale:
Infertility is not a primary cause of ovarian cancer.
While there may be some associations between infertility treatments and ovarian cancer, it is not considered a primary cause.
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not well understood but may involve genetic mutations, hormonal factors, and inflammation.
Choice C rationale:
BRCA gene mutations can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have a significantly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those without these mutations.
This understanding indicates that the client has correctly grasped this risk factor.
Choice D rationale:
Ovarian cancer is not primarily caused by hormonal imbalances.
While hormones may play a role in the development of ovarian cancer, they are not considered the primary cause.
Genetic factors, such as BRCA mutations, are more significant contributors to ovarian cancer risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Elevating the affected limb and applying cold compresses is a standard nursing intervention for managing lymphedema.
Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in tissues, leading to swelling.
Elevation and cold compresses can help reduce swelling by promoting lymphatic drainage and vasoconstriction.
This intervention can provide relief and improve the patient's comfort.
Now, let's explain why the other choices are not correct:
Choice B rationale:
Avoiding discussing lymphedema to prevent emotional distress is not an appropriate approach.
Open and honest communication with the patient about their condition is essential.
Providing information and addressing the patient's concerns can help them cope with lymphedema and adhere to treatment recommendations.
Avoiding the topic may lead to increased anxiety and uncertainty.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the patient to use the affected limb as much as possible is not recommended for managing lymphedema.
Overuse of the affected limb can worsen swelling and discomfort.
Patients with lymphedema are usually advised to avoid activities that may exacerbate the condition and to follow specific guidelines for limb care and exercise.
Choice D rationale:
Administering prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection in the affected area is not a standard intervention for lymphedema management.
While it's important to prevent infections in patients with lymphedema, antibiotics are typically prescribed when an infection is present, not as a prophylactic measure.
Proper hygiene and skincare are essential for infection prevention in lymphedema patients.
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