Question

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is postoperative following a modified radical mastectomy. which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A) Begin vigorous arm exercises immediately
B) Avoid using the affected arm for any activity
C) Sleep on the side of the surgery to prevent stiffness
D) Apply ice packs to the surgical site for 24 hours postoperatively

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the patient to start physical therapy exercises gradually, avoid strenuous use of the affected arm immediately after surgery, not sleep on the surgery side, and apply ice packs postoperatively as necessary for inflammation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Following a modified radical mastectomy, it is crucial for the patient to follow a carefully planned postoperative recovery protocol to ensure proper healing and regain functional use of the affected arm. As part of this plan, the patient should be educated on

• Avoiding the use of the affected arm for strenuous activities immediately after surgery to allow for initial healing.
• Gradually introducing appropriate physical therapy exercises to restore a range of motion, but not to start with vigorous exercises immediately.
• Understanding proper sleep positioning, which would not include sleeping on the side of surgery as doing so could increase the risk of lymphedema and discomfort.
• Applying ice packs to the surgical site postoperatively as necessary to reduce inflammation, with care to not cause damage via excessive cold.

Overall, it is crucial for the nurse to clarify that the recovery process should be progressive, enabling the patient's body to heal and adapt.