A nurse has just been told by a friend that her physician has recommen

A nurse has just been told by a friend that her physician has recommended a hysterectomy for fibroids in her womb. Which of the following would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?

a. “Hysterectomies are the most common surgical procedure done on women; you’ll be fine.”
b. “Tell your doctor to remove your ovaries as well so you will never have to worry about ovarian cancer.”
c. “There are other alternatives. Why don’t you seek a second opinion just to be sure a hysterectomy is best for you?”
d. “Uterine fibroids are very common so don’t feel badly; you’ve already had your children, so there’s no reason to keep your uterus.”

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: C
Hysterectomy is the second most frequently performed major surgical procedure among women of reproductive age, after C-section. The most common reason for hysterectomy is uterine fibroids. Optional procedures are becoming available to women. Myomectomy, or removing only the tumors with repair of the uterus, uterine artery ablation, and the use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone to shrink the tumors can decrease the need for hysterectomy, but women may not know about these alternatives. Community health nurses function as advocates for women and can provide health education programs related to alternatives to hysterectomy, indications for hysterectomy, and oophorectomy, and information regarding the type of surgical approach and the purpose of a second opinion. Second opinions and higher levels of education tend to decrease the rate of hysterectomies. Thus, it is important that the nurse first encourage the friend to seek a second opinion rather than encouraging the procedure or ovary removal.