Question

The nurse in the health care provider's office is performing a postoperative assessment of a client who underwent mastectomy of her right breast 2 weeks ago. The client tells the nurse that she is very concerned because she has numbness in the area of the surgery and along the inner side of the arm from the armpit to the elbow. The nurse should provide which information to the client about her complaint?

A. They're signs of complication
B. Probably will be permanent
C. Dissipate over several months and usually resolve after 1 year
D. Nothing to worry about because most women who have this type of surgery experience this

Answer 1

Post-mastectomy numbness is common, caused by nerve trauma during surgery, and typically dissipates over months, usually resolving after about a year, although some permanent change is possible.

Step-by-step explanation:

The numbness in the area of the surgery and along the inner side of the arm that the client is experiencing post-mastectomy is not uncommon. It is due to the trauma and inflammation to the nerves in the area during the surgical procedure. While this sensation can be concerning, it is generally not a sign of a complication. In most cases, such numbness will dissipate over several months and usually resolve after about a year as the nerves recover. However, some degree of permanent change is possible depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing processes.