A patient has been discharged home after a total mastectomy without reconstruction. The patient lives alone and has a home health referral. When the home care nurse performs the first scheduled visit this patient, what should the nurse assess? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients who have difficulty managing their postoperative care at home may benefit from a home health care referral. The home care nurse assesses the patients incision and surgical drain(s), adequacy of pain management, adherence to the exercise plan, and overall physical and psychological functioning. It is unnecessary to assess the patients understanding of cancer at this stage of recovery. Prostheses may be considered later in the recovery process.

A Patient Has Been Discharged Home After a Total Mastectomy