The nurse is caring for a patient who had a mastectomy for breast cancer 2 days ago and is now developing pulmonary congestion. Why is a mastectomy patient at risk for pulmonary complications?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After a mastectomy, the patient may be hesitant to deep breathe and cough due to pain and discomfort from the chest incision. This can lead to inadequate lung expansion and the development of pulmonary complications such as congestion. It is important for the nurse to encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent these complications. The other options are not directly related to the risk of pulmonary complications in mastectomy patients.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Had a Mastectomy