Question

An 18-week gestation client telephones the obstetrician's office stating, "I'm really scared. I think I have breast cancer. My breasts are filled with tumors." The nurse should base the response on which of the following?

1) Breast cancer is often triggered by pregnancy.
2) Nodular breast tissue is normal during pregnancy.
3) The woman is exhibiting signs of a psychotic break.
4) Anxiety attacks are especially common in the second trimester.

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client that nodular breast tissue is normal during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, and the reported symptoms are typical changes in preparation for breastfeeding rather than indicators of breast cancer (option 2).

Step-by-step explanation:

When an 18-week gestation client expresses concern about her "breasts being filled with tumors," as a nurse, the most appropriate response would be based on the understanding that nodular breast tissue is normal during pregnancy. This is due to the hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and even more so during pregnancy, when levels of estrogen and progesterone cause mammary tissue development and breast enlargement.

Breast cancer, while it is the most common type of cancer in females, is not typically triggered by pregnancy. The changes the mother experiences are in preparation for lactation and breastfeeding. Anxiety over health during pregnancy is common, but does not constitute a psychotic break or an anxiety attack specific to the second trimester.

Hence, the answer is option 2.