Recognize and Analyze the Cues
This characteristic describes a typical early breast cancer mass.
What is a painless, hard, fixed lump?
The most common site of breast cancer metastasis.
What are the bones?
This targeted therapy is used for HER2-positive breast cancer.
What is trastuzumab (Herceptin)?
Nursing teaching for lymphedema prevention includes avoiding this on the affected arm.
What is BP measurement, blood draws, or injections?
This professional must be used for teaching patients with limited English proficiency.
What is a certified medical interpreter?
A patient’s nipple begins turning inward. This is called ________.
What is nipple retraction?
Breast cancer with distant metastasis is designated as this stage.
What is Stage IV?
This medication blocks estrogen receptors and is used for ER-positive cancer.
What is tamoxifen?
During chemotherapy, this lab value must be monitored to reduce infection risk.
What is ANC/WBC count?
A culturally sensitive response to a patient grieving hair loss from chemo.
What is offering resources (scarves, wigs, support groups) and validating feelings?
Two key high-risk genetic mutations for breast cancer.
What are BRCA1 and BRCA2?
This lymph node group is assessed first for spread.
What are the axillary lymph nodes?
This surgery removes only the tumor and a margin of tissue.
What is a lumpectomy?
A major teaching point for radiation therapy to protect the skin.
What is avoiding lotions, perfumes, and heat on the treated area?
Name one social determinant of health that may affect breast cancer outcomes.
What is transportation access, financial status, health literacy, or insurance access?
This breast cancer type is the most common.
What is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)?
HER2-positive cancers tend to grow at this rate.
What is rapidly?
A common side effect of doxorubicin requiring cardiac monitoring.
What is cardiotoxicity?
Nursing priority for a patient receiving trastuzumab or doxorubicin.
What is assessing for heart failure signs?
Using this teaching method ensures patient understanding regardless of literacy level.
What is teach-back?
Orange-peel skin appearance caused by lymphatic obstruction is known as ________.
What is peau d’orange?
Breast cancer metastasis to the liver may cause these two common lab abnormalities.
What are elevated AST/ALT and increased bilirubin?
Name two types of breast reconstruction options.
What are implant-based reconstruction and flap (TRAM/DIEP) reconstruction?
Post-mastectomy patients should begin these exercises to maintain shoulder mobility.
What are ROM exercises or arm-raising exercises?
The Breast Cancer Case Challenge
Clue:
A 52-year-old woman with Stage II HER2-positive breast cancer is scheduled to begin trastuzumab.
Name one priority assessment, one nursing teaching point, and one psychosocial consideration.
What are:
Priority assessment: Cardiac function (EF, EKG)
Teaching point: Report SOB, edema, or palpitations
Psychosocial: Provide support for body-image or treatment fears?