Question

Please help to answer these questions

1. Mastectomy

a. Pathophysiology/etiology/risk factors

b. s/s

c. nursing and physician directed interventions

Answer 1

1.Mastectomy

This refers to the removal of breast by a surgery .This procedure is usually done in cancer of breast

a.Pathophysiology

The causes leads to destruction or mutation in the cells of breast. This leads to abnormal, faster rate of multiplication of these cells affecting the tissues causing the cancer.This overtime will pass via the lymphatic circulation and reach the nearby organs to distal organs in a very fast manner if not diagnosed and treated earlier,This leads to swelling,tenderness, node formation, discharge from the niplle caked as peu-de-orange is a very typical signs and symptoms of the disease.Fever changes in blood values ,systemic problems will occur subsequently.

b.Etiology

• Changes or mutation in the DNA
• Female
• As one ages
• Hormonal changes
• Family history
• Radiation exposure

Risk factors

• Working in radiation exposure area
• Family history
• Avoiding or neglecting any changes in breast from getting medical help
• Use of diethylstilbestrol drug in pregnant women
• Oral contraceptives
• Smoking, Alcohol
• Late menopause
• Early menstruation

b.Signs and symptoms

• A node or a lump is the first and common sign
• Changes in the physical structure of nipple like like inverted nipples
• Discharge from the nipples
• Change in the color of the breast like redness
• Swelling
• Pain in the breast

c.Nursing and Physician directed intervention

Nursing intervention

• Monitor the patient for pain ,discomfort and plan for care
• Administer medication (chemotherapy) as per order
• Follow infection control practices to prevent infection and cross infection
• Provide psychological support to the patient
• Provide diet as tolerated

Physician intervention

• Prescribe the medical therapy
• Monitor for any complications
• Encourage to follow preventive measures
• Health educate the patient regarding treatment and further care.