Final answer:
A nurse should inform a client starting tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer about several potential side effects, including an increased risk of stroke or heart attack, blood clots, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, gall bladder disease, and possibly dementia. Clients should be vigilant and report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse teaching a client who is to begin taking tamoxifen for the treatment of breast cancer should inform the client about the potential for several adverse effects. Tamoxifen is known to have several side effects, and while it is a critical component of breast cancer therapy, patients should be aware of what to expect during their treatment.
Some of the negative side effects associated with tamoxifen include an increased risk of stroke or heart attack, the formation of blood clots, and the potential development of other cancers such as endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer. Patients may also experience gall bladder disease and cognitive changes that could manifest as dementia in some cases.
It is important for clients to report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider, such as unusual bleeding or discharge, lumps or thickening in the breast, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, changes in moles or warts, or a persistent cough or hoarseness. This will help in the early identification and management of any adverse effects that may occur during tamoxifen therapy.