During the teaching session for a client who recently had a hysterectomy, the client states that she is nervous about taking the estrogen replacement therapy prescribed by her physician

Question

She states that she is worried about developing breast cancer later in life. Which of the statements by the nurses will be most appropriate? 1. "The risk of breast cancer is somewhat increased for women with a family history who opt to take estrogen replacement therapy.".
2. "The risk of breast cancer is not increased for women who have had a hysterectomy and take estrogen replacement medications.".
3. "Perhaps you should consider an estrogen–progestin combination therapy.".
4. "Taking estrogen replacement is not required after a hysterectomy.".

Answer 1

2. "The risk of breast cancer is not increased for women who have had a hysterectomy and take estrogen replacement medications.".

Rationale: The risk for the development of breast cancer is not greater for women who take estrogen replacement therapy after undergoing a hysterectomy. Progestin therapies are not used for women who are in surgical menopause. Further, it is inappropriate for the nurse to make suggestions of a prescriptive nature, as it violates the scope of practice. While it is not mandatory for the client to take estrogen replacement therapy after surgery, the nurse should clarify and correct misconceptions of the client.
Estrogen replacement therapy is not associated with breast cancer for women who have undergone a hysterectomy. Taking estrogen after a hysterectomy is optional, not required.