The nurse receives a new prescription for tamoxifen for a client with breast cancer. Which information found in the client's medical record would require follow-up with the health care provider?

Question

The nurse receives a new prescription for tamoxifen for a client with breast cancer.  Which information found in the client's medical record would require follow-up with the health care provider?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that is prescribed to treat certain types of breast cancer and to prevent breast cancer recurrence. Tamoxifen works by blocking estrogen receptors in certain estrogen-sensitive tissues (eg, breast, vagina), but it also increases affinity for estrogen in some tissues, such as the uterus. In the treatment of breast cancer, tamoxifen inhibits growth of estrogen receptor-positive tumors. Clients typically take tamoxifen for several (eg, 5-10) years after treatment to prevent breast cancer recurrence. Common side effects of tamoxifen therapy, like the effects typically seen in menopause (eg, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, menstrual irregularities), are related to decreased estrogen. Follow-up would be required for clients with symptoms or a history of tamoxifen's most serious side effects, including: Thromboembolic events (eg, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke) (Option C) Endometrial cancer (eg, abnormal vaginal bleeding) (Options A, B, and D) Shellfish and peanut allergies, previous smoking history, and history of depression are not contraindications for treatment with tamoxifen. Educational objective: Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator prescribed for the treatment and prevention of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers. Serious side effects include thromboembolic events (eg, deep venous thrombosis) and endometrial cancer.

The Nurse Receives a New Prescription for Tamoxifen for a Client