Exam 18: Breasts, Axillae, and Regional Lymphatics

A new mother calls the clinic to report that part of her left breast is red, swollen, tender, very hot, and hard. She has a fever of 38.3 $\degree$ C. She also has had symptoms of influenza, such as chills, sweating, and feeling tired. The nurse notices that she has been breastfeeding for 1 month. From her description, what condition does the nurse suspect?

The nurse is examining a 62-year-old man and notes that he has bilateral gynecomastia. The nurse should explore his health history for which related conditions? (Select all that apply.)

Which of these clinical situations would the nurse consider to be outside normal limits?

During an examination of a woman, the nurse notices that her left breast is slightly larger than her right breast. Which of these statements is true about this finding?

Which of the following statements is true regarding the internal structures of the breast?

The nurse is conducting a class on BSE. Which of these statements indicates the proper BSE technique?

A 43-year-old woman is at the clinic for a routine examination. She reports that she has had a lump in her right breast for years. Recently, it has begun to change in consistency and is becoming harder. She reports that 5 years ago her physician evaluated the lump and determined that it was "nothing to worry about." The nurse's examination validates the presence of a mass in the right upper outer quadrant at 1 o'clock, approximately 5 cm from the nipple. It is firm, mobile, and nontender, with borders that are not well defined. What is the best response by the nurse?

The nurse is assisting with a BSE clinic. Which of these women reflects abnormal findings during the inspection phase of breast examination?

During an interview, a patient reveals that she is pregnant. She states that she is not sure whether she will breastfeed her baby and asks for some information about this. Which of these statements by the nurse is accurate?

During an examination of a 7-year-old girl, the nurse notices that the girl is showing breast budding. What should the nurse do next?

The nurse is preparing for a class on breast cancer. Which statement is true with regard to cultural differences in breast cancer in the United States?

In performing an assessment of a woman's axillary lymph system, the nurse should assess which of these nodes?

In examining a 70-year-old male patient, the nurse notices that he has bilateral gynecomastia. Which of the following describes the nurse's best course of action?

A patient is newly diagnosed with benign breast disease. The nurse recognizes which statement about benign breast disease to be true?

The nurse is palpating a female patient's breasts during an examination. Which of these positions is most likely to make significant lumps more distinct during breast palpation?

During a health history interview, a female patient states that she has noticed a few drops of clear discharge from her right nipple. What should the nurse do next?

During an examination, the nurse notes a supernumerary nipple just under the patient's left breast. The patient tells the nurse that she always thought it was a mole. Which statement about this finding is correct?

During the physical examination, the nurse notices that a female patient has an inverted left nipple. Which statement regarding this is most accurate?

The nurse is performing a breast examination. Which of these statements best describes the correct procedure to use when screening for nipple and skin retraction during a breast examination?

A 65-year-old patient remarks that she just cannot believe that her breasts "sag so much." She states it must be from a lack of exercise. What explanation should the nurse offer her?