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A client who had a lumpectomy of the breast is to have radiation therapy. What should the nurse do at the client's first visit to the surgeon's office after the surgery?

A. Provide a protective skin lotion
B. Assess the extent of wound healing
C. Teach sterile technique for skin care
D. Demonstrate how to dispose of urine safely

User Murrayju
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Upon the first visit after a lumpectomy, the nurse should assess the extent of wound healing to ensure readiness for further treatment like radiotherapy. Instructions on skincare post-radiotherapy may come later, and teaching sterile technique or safe disposal of urine are less likely to be immediately relevant.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's role during the client's first visit to the surgeon's office after a lumpectomy for breast cancer is critical for assessing recovery and preparing for the next steps in treatment, such as radiotherapy. One key responsibility is to assess the extent of wound healing. This would generally involve checking the surgical site for signs of infection, proper healing, and any other concerns that might affect the client's readiness for radiation therapy. Providing care instructions, such as a protective skin lotion to manage the skin's health during radiotherapy, may be part of subsequent visits once the wound has healed sufficiently. Teaching sterile technique for wound care may also occur but is less likely to be the primary focus at this initial post-operative visit unless the wound is still in a particularly vulnerable state requiring very careful attention. Lastly, demonstrating how to dispose of urine safely is generally not relevant unless the patient is receiving a form of treatment or medication that renders their waste hazardous, which is not typically the case with standard external beam radiation therapy for breast cancer.

User Hoxworth
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