To explore the effect of measuring ruler of breast cancer related lymphedema (shortened as tool ruler) in affected limb measurement of breast cancer patients.

Ten breast cancer patients undergoing postoperative rehabilitation were selected by purposive sampling method. 10 nurses were selected and divided randomly into observation group and control group, each with 5 nurses. Cross-section diameters of the 10 patients′ affected limbs were measured by nurses in the two groups at the same time, with the observation group using tool ruler and the control group using ordinary flexible measuring tape, with a total of 100 measured values. Measured values between ±1% of average value within the group were determined as accurate. Accuracy rates of measured values in the two groups were compared. After training, patients were asked to measure themselves, with 5 patients using tool ruler and another 5 using flexible measuring tape. Accuracy rates of measured values of the two groups were compared.

Accuracy rate of nurses in the observation group was 96%, while in the control group 66% (χ²=14.620, P<0.01). Among the 5 patients using tool ruler, 4 were with accurate measured values, while among those who used flexible measuring tape, only 1 got accurate measured value.

Using tool ruler to measure postoperative lymphedema of affected limbs in breast cancer patients is accurate and convenient, which makes it worth popularizing in clinical application.

Breast cancer; Lymphedema; Measuring tool