Care of a Patient with Breast Cancer
Care of a Patient with Breast Cancer
The nurse is counseling Chenique Jackson, a 23-year old patient whose maternal grandmother died of breast cancer. Chenique wants to be genetically tested for the breast cancer gene, but her mother does not wish to be tested, because she doesnt want to know.
If Chenique were to test positive for the breast cancer gene, would her mother automatically be positive for the breast cancer gene too?
Chenique has tested positive for the BRCA1 gene for breast cancer. After speaking with her surgeon, she has decided that she wants to have bilateral prophylactic mastectomies.
What patient teaching should the nurse provide?
Chenique asks the nurse, Will you call and tell my mother that she has the breast cancer gene also?
What nursing response is appropriate?
Because Chenique has chosen to have bilateral prophylactic mastectomies, what members of the interprofessional team may be most helpful in her care after surgery?
