Final answer:
The nurse's approach should be grounded in empathy, professional care, and emotional support, acknowledging the patient's distress and addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of recovery post-mastectomy. Including family caregivers in interventions and managing medical complications holistically can aid in the patient's overall well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse's approach to caring for an adult woman recovering from a mastectomy should be based on empathy, emotional support, and professional medical care. Understanding that emotional distress, such as being frequently tearful when left alone, is a common reaction post-surgery. The healthcare team, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, should acknowledge the patient's emotional and physical needs during recovery.
Supporting her emotionally may involve offering a listening ear, acknowledging her feelings, providing information on supportive resources, and ensuring that she does not feel isolated in her experience. Literature, such as works by McMillan et al. (2006), emphasizes the importance of coping skills interventions with family caregivers which can also be beneficial for patients. The shared experiences in plays like LibreTexts also address the complexity of emotions and the need for support in difficult times.
The clinical focus on patients like Barbara with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer demonstrates the practical aspect of care, such as monitoring for infection at the catheter site and managing any complications. Emotional and psychosocial factors, referenced by Falagas et al. (2007), also have a significant impact on the outcome of breast cancer treatment. Incorporating a holistic approach that addresses both the medical and emotional needs of the patient is key to providing comprehensive care.