Competency

Explain principles of care for clients with oncological disorders.

Scenario

Anna is a 45-year-old female that presented to her physician’s office for her annual check-up. Anna has a history of diabetes, obesity, and noncompliance with diet and medications to control her diabetes. She a single mother of three teenagers and smokes regularly. During the history review, Anna shares with you that she has not been feeling like herself for the past six months, she has been unusually tired and thought that she felt a lump in her right breast during a self-breast exam around that same time. She stated, “I am very busy with my children; I haven’t had time to get it checked out.” She has recently been experiencing right nipple pain. Anna has a positive family history of breast cancer; both her mother and grandmother have been treated for breast cancer. Anna has never had a mammogram. During the breast examination, the practitioner palpated a lump in Anna’s right breast. No discharge from the nipple was observed. Anna’s right breast was tender upon palpation. No abnormalities were found in the left breast. Based on the physical findings Anna will undergo a diagnostic mammogram.

Instructions

In a 2-page paper, describe the care that Anna would require and address the questions below.

1. What risk factors does Anna have that could predispose her to the development of cancer?
2. What signs and symptoms could indicate that Anna has developed cancer?
3. Based on Anna’s risk factors and presenting problems, identify three care strategies that you would use to provide quality care to Anna. Provide rationale to explain why you chose these strategies.

Resources

For assistance with citations, refer to the APA Guide.

For assistance with research, refer to the Nursing Research Guide.