Distress, Pain, and Nausea on Postoperative Days 1 and 14 in Women Recovering From Breast-Conserving Surgery: A Repeated-Measures Study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and trajectory of distress, pain, and nausea and vomiting at postoperative day (POD) 1 and at POD 14 following breast-conserving surgery. SAMPLE & SETTING: 75 women aged 18 years or older receiving breast-conserving surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy for treatment of early-stage primary breast cancer at an ambulatory surgery center. METHODS & VARIABLES This prospective, repeated-measures study assessed distress, pain, and nausea and vomiting using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List on POD 1 and POD 14. RESULTS: Pain and distress scores were highest on POD 1. The number of women who reported depression increased from POD 1 to POD 14. Thematic analysis revealed that family concerns, fears and worries, and postoperative issues contributed to pain and distress. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Women experience pain and distress during recovery at home after breast-conserving surgery. Nurses can use these results to apply evidence-based practice to reduce this symptom burden. Future nursing research should focus on targeted interventions outside of the hospital setting.