A client is being seen in the clinic after receiving an external breast prosthesis after a mastectomy. What question from the nurse best evaluates the effectiveness of the prosthesis on body image? A)"Do you feel you are able to engage in sexual activity with your prosthesis?" B)"Do you wear the prosthesis all the time or only when out of the home?" C)"How do you cope with feelings of self-consciousness?" D)"Since receiving your prosthesis, how do you see yourself differently?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A breast prosthesis is an artificial appliance that is fitted to the external chest wall or inserted into a female client's undergarments to simulate previous symmetry after a mastectomy or breast trauma. This is an option for clients who are not interested in, or are not candidates for, breast reconstruction surgery. This appliance assists in the promotion of well-being, body image, and sexuality. When evaluating the use of a breast prosthesis, nurses should assess the client for body image disturbance using open-ended questions and therapeutic communication (Option D). (Option A) Sexual activity can be affected by the client's overall body image but is not a comprehensive evaluation. (Option B) How often a prosthesis is used is not an indication of its effect on body image. Not all clients feel the need to wear a prosthesis for a healthy body image. (Option C) Although assessing coping techniques and effectiveness is important to the client's ability to cope with the loss of a body part, this question does not evaluate the prosthesis' effect on body image. This question also assumes that the client is or should feel self-conscious. Educational objective: A breast prosthesis is used to help promote a female client's sense of well-being, body image, and sexuality after significant loss of breast tissue (eg, mastectomy, breast trauma). Nurses should use open-ended, therapeutic communication to evaluate the effect of the prosthesis on the client's body image.

A Client Is Being Seen in the Clinic After Receiving