When planning discharge teaching with a patient who has undergone a total mastectomy with axillary dissection, the nurse knows to instruct the patient that she should report what sign or symptom to the physician immediately?
A) Fatigue
B) Temperature greater than 98.5ºF
C) Sudden cessation of output from the drainage device
D) Gradual decline in output from the drain
Ans: C
Feedback:
The patient should report sudden cessation of output from the drainage device, which could indicate an occlusion. Gradual decline in output is expected. A temperature of 100.4°F or greater should also be reported to rule out postoperative infection, but a temperature of 98.5°F is not problematic. Fatigue is expected during the recovery period.
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