While interviewing a 48-year-old patient during her annual physical examination, the nurse learns that she has never had a mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammography screening starting at age 40. Before the nurse encourages this patient to begin annual screening, it is important for her to understand the reasons why women avoid testing. These reasons include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fear of x-ray exposure, expense, reluctance to hear bad news, and fear of pain are reasons women avoid having a mammogram done. Although the test is expensive, it is usually covered by health insurance. Many communities offer low-cost or free screening to women without insurance. It is important to acknowledge that some discomfort occurs with screening. Scheduling the test immediately at the end of a period makes it less painful. The risk of radiation exposure is minimal to none. Nurses play a vital role in providing information and reassurance to help women overcome these fears. Even patients with no family history should have a regular screening done. The nurse should emphasize that a combination of breast self-examination and mammography needs to be performed at regular intervals. Women with a family history may need to begin screening at a younger age and have additional testing such as ultrasound performed.

While Interviewing a 48-Year-Old Patient During Her Annual Physical Examination