A female patient tells the nurse that she does not want to have annual mammograms because the x-rays can cause cancer. How should the nurse respond to this patient?
1. "Breast cancer is the number one type of cancer in females. The risk of developing cancer from the x-rays is considerably lower than the risk of having undiagnosed breast cancer."
2. "I don't blame you. X-rays do cause cancer."
3. "Be sure to do monthly breast exams."
4. "Contact your doctor if you notice any breast changes, feel any lumps, or develop breast pain since these are all symptoms of active breast cancer."
Correct Answer: 1
The nurse should respond by saying that breast cancer is the number one type of cancer in females and that the risk of developing cancer from x-rays is considerably lower than the risk of having undiagnosed breast cancer. The nurse should not support the patient's belief that x-rays cause cancer. The nurse should instruct the patient to perform monthly breast self-examinations; however, that is not the best response in this situation. Monthly breast examinations should not be used in place of routine mammograms. Breast changes, lumps, and breast pain are not definitive symptoms of breast cancer.
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