A patient who has been diagnosed with breast cancer has many questions related to surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy

Question

The nurse provides education about the disease and treatments but perceives that the patient has further questions about coping with day-to-day situations. The action of greatest benefit to the patient would be: a. suggesting cognitive-behavioral therapy with a counselor.
b. teaching her to monitor her stress level while at home.
c. suggesting she enroll in a pain-management program.
d. referring her to a support group for persons with breast cancer.

Answer 1

D
Patients with breast cancer are often helped by the support and knowledge shared in support group meetings. Techniques for coping can be learned from women who have had similar experiences. There is no indication that the patient is demonstrating negative or distorted cognitions. Monitoring stress level is insufficient in that it is assessment but not intervention—it does nothing to reduce anxiety or promote coping. The patient would also need to be taught stress-management techniques. Pain-management needs are not evident.