Question

The nurse instructs a client who recently had a modified radical mastectomy. The nurse tells the patient it is very important for the client to exercise the affected arm. What statement by the nurse is the most important rationale for the client to exercise the arm?

A. Enhances overall muscle strength
B. Improves joint flexibility
C. Reduces the risk of lymphedema
D. Promotes cardiovascular health

Answer 1

Post-operative exercises after a modified radical mastectomy are primarily aimed at reducing the risk of lymphedema, which is the accumulation of lymph fluid in the arm due to disrupted lymphatic drainage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse instructs a client who recently had a modified radical mastectomy to exercise the affected arm. The most important rationale for this instruction is to reduce the risk of lymphedema. Lymphedema is a common complication following a mastectomy, where the removal of lymph nodes can disrupt normal lymphatic drainage, causing fluid to accumulate in the arm. Exercise helps to promote lymphatic flow, reducing this risk. While enhancing overall muscle strength, improving joint flexibility, and promoting cardiovascular health are also benefits of exercise, they are secondary to the primary goal of preventing lymphedema in the context of mastectomy aftercare.