A client is postoperative from a left-sided mastectomy. She says that the incision and the inner side of her arm from the armpit to the elbow are numb. Which is the nurse's best action?
a. Teach the client to avoid lifting heavy ob-jects.
b. Measure the circumference of the client's left arm.
c. Reassure the client that this is an expected finding.
d. Notify the surgeon as soon as possible.
C
The nerves supplying the skin in the area were injured during surgery, decreasing sensation to the area. These problems frequently resolve over time. Teaching the client to avoid lifting heavy objects or measuring the circumference of the arm will not improve sensation to the client's arm. The surgeon does not need to be notified about normal findings.
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