Effect of a Nursing Care Bundle on the Incidence and Severity of Arm Lymphedema Among Postmastectomy Women.

BACKGROUND

Arm lymphedema is a common postoperative complication following mastectomy and may become chronic if not detected and managed early. A nursing care bundle is a structured set of evidence-based nursing interventions aimed at preventing complications and improving patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing care bundle in reducing the incidence and severity of arm lymphedema among women after mastectomy.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 84 postmastectomy women at the Oncology Center of Mansoura University, Egypt. Participants were allocated to a control group receiving standard postoperative care or an intervention group receiving the nursing care bundle. Arm lymphedema was assessed at 2 weeks and 2 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The intervention group demonstrated a significantly lower incidence and severity of arm lymphedema compared with the control group ( P <.001). At 2 months postoperatively, only 11.9% of women in the intervention group developed mild (stage 0) lymphedema, whereas 78.6% and 14.3% of women in the control group developed stage 1 and stage 2 lymphedema, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The nursing care bundle was effective in reducing the risk and progression of arm lymphedema among postmastectomy women.

IMPLICATIONS FOR ONCOLOGY NURSING PRACTICE: Early postoperative nursing interventions are essential for preventing arm lymphedema postmastectomy. Oncology nurses play a critical role in patient education and self-care support. Integrating a nursing care bundle into routine postoperative care may enhance patient independence, reduce lymphedema risk, and improve recovery.