Care of Post Mastectomy

Patient
Is the care rendered towards patients who have
under gone breast mastectomy. Care is
rendered not just post operatively but also for
rehabilitative and long term purposes also.

Mastectomy is the excision or removal of the

breast. This is usually the procedure of choice
for operating in invasive cancer.

Types of Breast Surgery

Lumpectomy- removal of lump or mass. Also
known as tylectomy.

Partial or Simple Mastectomy- which includes

wide excision, quadrantectomy, or segmental
mastectomy is removal of the portion of the
breast that contains the tumor.

Modified Radical Mastectomy- the affected

breast is completely removed.

Purposes
Prevent post operative complications
Promote adequate tissue perfusion and integrity.
Preventing infections from occurring
Acceptance of self and body image
Continuous medical care
Gaining adequate knowledge on operation,

complications and post mastectomy activities.

Rehabilitation and health promotion

Assessment
Identify patient properly and read the patients
chart to review data

Assess patients vital signs to obtain data

Assess the patients psychological status and
level of consciousness

Assess wound (noting the color and status) and

drainage and presence of clinical manifestations

Assess for any pain and discomfort

Expected Outcome
Patient will not experience any post operative
complications (bleeding, infection, lymphedema
etc.)

Patient will tolerate procedure well.

Continuous medical management and
compliance to treatment regimen.

Understanding on procedures and

Perform properly the exercises

Planning
Determine what supplies or materials are
needed

Wash hands for infection control

Prepare equipments and materials to be used

Equipments
BP apparatus
Thermometer
Disposable clean gloves
Cottonballs wet with alcohol and dry cotton
ball
Cottonballs with betadine
OS and micropore

Evaluation
Expected Outcome:

No complications post operatively (bleeding,

infection etc.)

Patient understands breast mastectomy and

compliance of medical regimen.

Regain full range of motion, strength and tolerates

activities of daily living.

Verbalizes positive outlook on breast mastectomy

and self image

Unexpected outcomes:

1. Bleeding observe and measure accordingly and

document and report

2. Pain and numbness give medications as ordered,

exercise

3. Lymphedema arm placed on pillow with each

joint higher that of the proximal joint

Dont sleep on involved arm

Exercise the arm
Wear loose clothing to prevent constriction and
circulation.

BP is taken on the opposite limb

Procedures that should not be

performed on the affected arm
Blood Pressure monitoring
IV infusions
Vaccination or sensitivity testing
Blood drawings
Injections