When planning discharge teaching with a patient who has undergone a total mastectomy with axillary dissection, the nurse knows to instruct the patient that she should report what sign or symptom to the physician immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient should report sudden cessation of output from the drainage device, which could indicate an occlusion. Gradual decline in output is expected. A temperature of $100.4 \mathrm{~F}$ or greater should also be reported to rule out postoperative infection, but a temperature of $98.5 \mathrm{~F}$ is not problematic. Fatigue is expected during the recovery period.

When Planning Discharge Teaching with a Patient Who Has Undergone 98.5 F98.5 \mathrm{~F}98.5 F

When Planning Discharge Teaching with a Patient Who Has Undergone $98.5 \mathrm{~F}$