Hard

A patient taking tamoxifen for breast cancer reports sudden swelling and pain in one calf. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: C. Assess urgently for possible deep-vein thrombosis

  • A. Advise walking to improve venous circulation
  • B. Massage the calf until the discomfort improves
  • C. Assess urgently for possible deep-vein thrombosis
  • D. Reassure the patient that this is a usual drug effect

Explanation

Tamoxifen increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, so unilateral calf pain and swelling require urgent assessment. Massaging the limb or encouraging walking could dislodge a clot, and the finding should not be treated as an expected harmless effect.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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