A 40-year-old patient says, "I am afraid to have a mammogram. I have heard that they hurt and I am afraid to have radiation to my breasts."

Question

What information should the nurse provide? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. "Mammograms are required every 1 to 2 years for women over age 40.".
2. "The amount of radiation used in mammograms is very low.".
3. "Mammograms can detect breast masses up to 2 years before they can be felt from the outside.".
4. "The pain you experience in mammography is well worth the benefits.".
5. "Mammograms can help us see small deposits of calcium that sometimes occur with cancerous lesions.".

Answer 1

2,3,5
Rationale 1: The CDC recommends that women over age 40 have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years, but the patient has the right to refuse this screening.
Rationale 2: Mammography is a low-dose X-ray procedure.
Rationale 3: Mammograms can detect masses long before the woman or her health care provider can palpate them.
Rationale 4: The nurse should focus on explaining mammogram techniques that reduce the patient's discomfort. The nurse cannot assume the value the patient will place on the mammogram versus the discomfort she anticipates.
Rationale 5: Mammograms can detect microcalcifications that may indicate a cancerous lesion.