The nurse is assessing a client admitted to the hospital for congestive heart failure (CHF)and notes 1+ pitting edema of the left arm, as well as bilateral 1+ pitting edema in the client's ankles. The client's history indicates that the client has had a myocardial infarction and a left mastectomy. Which is the most probable cause of the edema in the client's left arm?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Impaired lymphatic drainage is the most probable cause of the edema in the client's left arm, especially given the history of a left mastectomy. Mastectomy, particularly when it involves lymph node removal, can disrupt normal lymphatic drainage and lead to lymphedema in the affected arm.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Client Admitted to the Hospital