A nurse is assessing a female patient who is taking hormone therapy for breast cancer. What assessment finding requires the nurse to notify the primary health care provider immediately?

Choice A reason: A red, warm, swollen calf is a classic sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening complication associated with hormone therapy such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. These medications increase the risk of thromboembolic events, and immediate medical evaluation is required to prevent progression to pulmonary embolism. Choice B reason: Irregular menses may occur as a side effect of hormone therapy, especially in premenopausal women. While it should be monitored, it is not an emergency and does not require immediate notification. Choice C reason: Breast tenderness is a common side effect of hormone therapy and does not indicate an acute complication. It should be documented and managed symptomatically. Choice D reason: Edema in the lower extremities can be a side effect of hormone therapy or related to other conditions such as heart failure, but it is less specific and less urgent than signs of DVT.