Melissa Pepe Is a 17-Year-Old Female with Cancer of the Thyroid

Melissa Pepe is a 17-year-old female with cancer of the thyroid secondary to leukemia,which went into remission 7 years earlier.She is in good health and eager to get back to school in time for the prom and final exams;however,she is very concerned about scarring from the surgery.The circulating nurse sat with Melissa and encouraged her to discuss her fears and expectations.Together,they collaborated on a plan for Melissa's discharge and care of her incision.The nurse documented Melissa's nursing diagnosis as:Disturbed Body Image related to surgical scar in prominent location.The nurse discussed Melissa's concerns with the surgical team before the incision was made.Melissa had a minimally invasive thyroidectomy approach,which left a small scar that was closed with a 4-0 nonabsorbable subcuticular suture.In the postoperative phase,the nurse provided Melissa with her postoperative education relative to her incision.Select all the incision care instructions that would be relevant for Melissa.

A) Instruct Melissa to focus on positive feelings related to body image.
B) Instruct Melissa in postoperative turning measures that decrease strain on the suture line.
C) Suggest accessories (e.g.,jewelry,scarves,and certain necklines) that can be used to cover the scar until normal fading occurs.
D) Instruct her to refrain from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or tanning salons while the incision is healing.
E) Use cosmetic creams with cocoa butter to decrease scarring and discoloration.