Date of Award

Spring 5-16-2020

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Amanda Alonzo

Second Advisor

Dr. Trina Larery

Third Advisor

Dr. Gwen Murdock

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to identify risk factors for the development of post-operative complications in breast cancer patients after breast reconstruction surgery. The author first identified possible risk factors through a literature review and evaluated a current risk assessment tool being used in current practice. A retrospective chart review was conducted of fifty charts of patients who underwent a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery for the treatment of breast cancer. The author compared possible risk factors from the groups of patients who developed complications versus those who did not. The author found two possible relationships between two identified possible risk factors (pre-operative breast size and body mass index) and the loss of reconstruction. The author also found the current risk assessment tool to be a valuable asset in the possible identification of individuals at risk for the development of post-operative complications after breast reconstruction surgery.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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