Question 1

Which patient population is most likely to have fibrous breast ducts?

Accepted Answer

Postmenopausal women are most likely to have fibrous breast ducts due to hormonal changes that occur with aging, leading to less glandular tissue and more fibrous tissue in the breasts.

Question 2

A patient comes to the clinic with a small lump on the left breast. When the nurse inspects the patient's breast, which position is most likely to reveal hidden breast dimpling?

Accepted Answer

When a patient sits with her hands on her hips and tightens the pectoral muscles, this position can reveal hidden dimpling or puckering of the skin that might not be visible in other positions. This is because the action can accentuate any underlying abnormalities or changes in the breast tissue or skin.

Question 3

When assessing a patient's nipples, which type of discharge suggests a serious disorder?

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous discharge from the nipple can be a sign of a serious disorder, such as breast cancer or a pituitary gland tumor, and warrants further investigation.

Question 4

Which inspection finding would be considered abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral nipple inversion can be considered abnormal, especially if it is a new finding, as it may indicate an underlying condition such as breast cancer. Bilateral nipple inversion, nipples pointing outward, slightly upward, and lateral, and bilateral nipple eversion are generally normal variations.

Question 5

The nurse instructs the patient on breast self-examination (BSE). When should the patient perform BSE?

Accepted Answer

The best time to perform a breast self-examination (BSE) is on the 5th to 7th day of the menstrual cycle because this timing minimizes the influence of hormonal changes on breast tissue, which can make the examination easier and more consistent.

Question 6

The nurse is teaching a patient when to perform a breast self-examination (BSE). The nurse states that the examination should be conducted 5 to 7 days after menstruation begins or 3 to ________________days after menstruation ceases.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is teaching a patient when...

Question 7

During a breast examination, the nurses notes a smooth, firm, movable, and nontender mass. The patient is diagnosed with a fibroadenoma, which is usually 1 to ________________cm.

Accepted Answer

The answer of During a breast examination, the nurses notes...

Question 8

While palpating the patient's breast tissue, the nurse detects three lumps. Which characteristic is associated with lumps found in cystic breast disease?

Accepted Answer

Lumps found in cystic breast disease are often tender, especially in response to hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle.

Question 9

The nurse assesses a patient's breasts and documents the mature stage of Tanner breast development. This is also referred to as stage ____________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse assesses a patient's breasts and...

Question 10

While palpating a patient's breast, a small lump is revealed. Which characteristic of a lump might suggest malignancy?

Accepted Answer

Irregularity in the shape of a lump can suggest malignancy because cancerous lumps often have uneven borders, unlike benign lumps which are usually smooth and rounded.

Question 11

Which finding may be considered normal during adolescence?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which finding may be considered normal during...

Question 12

How should the nurse position a patient for palpation of the breast and axillae?

Accepted Answer

Positioning a patient supine with the arm over her head and a pillow under the shoulder of the side being examined helps to spread the breast tissue evenly over the chest wall, making it easier to palpate the breast and axillae effectively.

Question 13

The nurse is conducting a health history for a female patient. A first pregnancy after the age of ________________years increases the risk for breast cancer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is conducting a health history...

Question 14

Which statement is true about fibroadenomas?

Accepted Answer

Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumors that are typically smooth, well-defined, and mobile upon examination, distinguishing them from malignant tumors which are often irregular and fixed.

Question 15

When conducting a breast self-examination (BSE) the nurse palpates from the clavicle to the 6th and ____________________th intercostal spaces and the sternum to the midaxillary line.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When conducting a breast self-examination (BSE) the...

Question 16

An adult patient, reporting for an annual examination, has a history of fibrocystic disease and has large, pendulous breasts. Which position is best for inspecting the patient's breasts?

Accepted Answer

Leaning forward with arms outstretched allows the breasts to hang freely, making it easier to inspect for any abnormalities, especially in patients with large, pendulous breasts.

Question 17

Where should the nurse palpate to assess the lateral nodes?

Accepted Answer

The lateral nodes are located along the inner aspect of the upper arm, making it the correct area for palpation.

Quiz 8: Assessing the Breasts