Postoperative teaching after a mastectomy should include which single, most priority point?

Postoperative teaching after a mastectomy should include which single, most priority point?

• A. Empty surgical drains once a week using procedure gloves.
• B. Report inflammation of the incision site or the affected arm.
• C. Wear clothing with snug sleeves over the arm on the operative side.
• D. Avoid lifting more than 4.5 kg (10 lb) or reaching above her head.

Answer: (B)

The most important point is to monitor for signs of inflammation or infection at the incision site or in the affected arm and report them promptly. After a mastectomy, the wound and lymphatic system are vulnerable to infection, and early recognition allows timely treatment to prevent complications such as spreading infection or wound breakdown. Look for redness, warmth, swelling, increasing pain, drainage, or fever, and contact the care team if any of these occur. Drains require careful, routine care and emptying as directed (not weekly), because their management helps prevent infection and monitor healing. Wearing snug sleeves over the operative arm can impede circulation and lymphatic return, which is not ideal early on, and while limiting lifting or reaching overhead is important for protecting the healing arm, the priority focus for teaching is recognizing and reporting signs of inflammation so problems can be addressed quickly.

The most important point is to monitor for signs of inflammation or infection at the incision site or in the affected arm and report them promptly. After a mastectomy, the wound and lymphatic system are vulnerable to infection, and early recognition allows timely treatment to prevent complications such as spreading infection or wound breakdown. Look for redness, warmth, swelling, increasing pain, drainage, or fever, and contact the care team if any of these occur. Drains require careful, routine care and emptying as directed (not weekly), because their management helps prevent infection and monitor healing. Wearing snug sleeves over the operative arm can impede circulation and lymphatic return, which is not ideal early on, and while limiting lifting or reaching overhead is important for protecting the healing arm, the priority focus for teaching is recognizing and reporting signs of inflammation so problems can be addressed quickly.