Question 1

The nurse is discussing mammography with a postmenopausal 64-year-old woman.How often does the nurse recommend that the patient have a mammography exam?

Accepted Answer

A) Annually 
B) Every 2 to 3 years 
C) Every 5 years 
D) Mammography is not recommended after 60 years of age. 
A) Annually 
B) Every 2 to 3 years 
C) Every 5 years 
D) Mammography is not recommended after 60 years of age. B

Question 2

During physical examination,a 45-year-old woman states that she has had a crusty,itchy rash on her breast for about 2 weeks.In trying to find the cause of the rash,which of the following questions would be important for the nurse to ask?

Accepted Answer

A) Is the rash raised and red? 
B) Does the rash appear cyclically? 
C) Where did it first appear-on the nipple,the areola,or the surrounding skin? 
D) What was she doing when she first noticed the rash,and do her actions make it worse? 
A) Is the rash raised and red? 
B) Does the rash appear cyclically? 
C) Where did it first appear-on the nipple,the areola,or the surrounding skin? 
D) What was she doing when she first noticed the rash,and do her actions make it worse? C

Question 3

A patient contacts the clinic and tells the nurse that she is worried that her 10-year-old daughter may have breast cancer.She describes a unilateral enlargement of the right breast with associated tenderness.Which of the following would be the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

A) Tell the mother that breast development is usually fairly symmetrical,so the daughter should be examined right away. 
B) Tell the mother that she should bring her daughter in right away because breast cancer is fairly common in preadolescent girls. 
C) Tell the mother that a clinical examination of her daughter would help rule out her suspicions,but it is most likely that the condition is due to normal breast development. 
D) Tell the mother that it is unusual for newly developing breasts to feel tender because at this stage they would not have developed much fibrous tissue. 
A) Tell the mother that breast development is usually fairly symmetrical,so the daughter should be examined right away. 
B) Tell the mother that she should bring her daughter in right away because breast cancer is fairly common in preadolescent girls. 
C) Tell the mother that a clinical examination of her daughter would help rule out her suspicions,but it is most likely that the condition is due to normal breast development. 
D) Tell the mother that it is unusual for newly developing breasts to feel tender because at this stage they would not have developed much fibrous tissue. C

Question 4

During 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 of the following statements about this finding is correct?

Accepted Answer

A) It is a normal variation and not a significant finding. 
B) It is a significant finding and requires further investigation. 
C) It also contains glandular tissue and may leak milk during pregnancy and lactation. 
D) The patient is correct;it is actually a mole that happens to be located under the breast. 
A) It is a normal variation and not a significant finding. 
B) It is a significant finding and requires further investigation. 
C) It also contains glandular tissue and may leak milk during pregnancy and lactation. 
D) The patient is correct;it is actually a mole that happens to be located under the breast.

Question 5

Which of the following clinical situations would the nurse consider as being outside normal limits?

Accepted Answer

A) A patient has had one pregnancy.She states that she believes she may be entering menopause.Her breast examination reveals breasts that are soft and sag slightly. 
B) A patient has never been pregnant.Her breast examination reveals large,pendulous breasts that have a firm,transverse ridge along the lower quadrant in both breasts. 
C) A patient has never been pregnant.She reports that she should begin her period tomorrow.Her breast examination reveals breast tissue that is nodular and somewhat engorged.She states that the examination was slightly painful. 
D) A patient has had two pregnancies,and she breastfed both her children.Her youngest child is now 10 years old.Her breast examination reveals breast tissue that is somewhat soft,and she has a small amount of thick yellow discharge from both nipples. 
A) A patient has had one pregnancy.She states that she believes she may be entering menopause.Her breast examination reveals breasts that are soft and sag slightly. 
B) A patient has never been pregnant.Her breast examination reveals large,pendulous breasts that have a firm,transverse ridge along the lower quadrant in both breasts. 
C) A patient has never been pregnant.She reports that she should begin her period tomorrow.Her breast examination reveals breast tissue that is nodular and somewhat engorged.She states that the examination was slightly painful. 
D) A patient has had two pregnancies,and she breastfed both her children.Her youngest child is now 10 years old.Her breast examination reveals breast tissue that is somewhat soft,and she has a small amount of thick yellow discharge from both nipples.

Question 6

Which of the following is an abnormal finding during the inspection phase of breast examination?

Accepted Answer

A) Nipples in different planes (deviated) 
B) The left breast slightly larger than the right 
C) Skin of a nonpregnant woman marked with linear striae 
D) Breasts of a pregnant woman having a fine blue network of veins visible under the skin 
A) Nipples in different planes (deviated) 
B) The left breast slightly larger than the right 
C) Skin of a nonpregnant woman marked with linear striae 
D) Breasts of a pregnant woman having a fine blue network of veins visible under the skin

Question 7

During assessment of a woman's axillary lymph system,the nurse will assess the:

Accepted Answer

A) central,axillary,lateral,and sternal nodes. 
B) pectoral,lateral,anterior,and sternal nodes. 
C) central,lateral,pectoral,and subscapular nodes. 
D) lateral,pectoral,axillary,and suprascapular nodes. 
A) central,axillary,lateral,and sternal nodes. 
B) pectoral,lateral,anterior,and sternal nodes. 
C) central,lateral,pectoral,and subscapular nodes. 
D) lateral,pectoral,axillary,and suprascapular nodes.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

A) Immediately report this to the physician. 
B) Discontinue the interview,and refer the patient for a mammogram. 
C) Question the patient about medications she is taking. 
D) Make a note about the discharge,but ask no further questions because clear discharge is often found in healthy women. 
A) Immediately report this to the physician. 
B) Discontinue the interview,and refer the patient for a mammogram. 
C) Question the patient about medications she is taking. 
D) Make a note about the discharge,but ask no further questions because clear discharge is often found in healthy women.

Question 9

While 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?

Accepted Answer

A) Recommend that he make an appointment with his physician for a mammogram. 
B) Ignore it;it is not unusual for men to have benign breast enlargement. 
C) Explain that this condition may be the result of hormonal changes,and recommend that he consult his physician. 
D) Tell him that gynecomastia in men is usually associated with prostate enlargement,and recommend that he undergo thorough screening. 
A) Recommend that he make an appointment with his physician for a mammogram. 
B) Ignore it;it is not unusual for men to have benign breast enlargement. 
C) Explain that this condition may be the result of hormonal changes,and recommend that he consult his physician. 
D) Tell him that gynecomastia in men is usually associated with prostate enlargement,and recommend that he undergo thorough screening.

Question 10

A woman is in the family planning clinic to obtain birth control information.She states that her breasts "change all through the month" and that she is worried that this may be unusual.Which of the following would be the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

A) Tell her that it is unusual.Breasts of nonpregnant females usually remain unchanged throughout the month. 
B) Tell her that it is very common for breasts to change in response to stress and assess her life for stressful events. 
C) Tell her that because of hormonal changes during the monthly menstrual cycle,cyclical breast changes are common. 
D) Tell her that breast changes normally occur only during pregnancy and that a pregnancy test is needed at this time. 
A) Tell her that it is unusual.Breasts of nonpregnant females usually remain unchanged throughout the month. 
B) Tell her that it is very common for breasts to change in response to stress and assess her life for stressful events. 
C) Tell her that because of hormonal changes during the monthly menstrual cycle,cyclical breast changes are common. 
D) Tell her that breast changes normally occur only during pregnancy and that a pregnancy test is needed at this time.

Question 11

A woman has just learned that she is pregnant.What are some things the nurse should teach the woman about breasts?

Accepted Answer

A) She can expect the areolae to become larger and darker in colour. 
B) Breasts may begin secreting milk after the fourth month of pregnancy. 
C) Breasts should be inspected for visible veins,which should be reported immediately if present. 
D) Breast changes are fairly uncommon during pregnancy;most of the changes occur after delivery. 
A) She can expect the areolae to become larger and darker in colour. 
B) Breasts may begin secreting milk after the fourth month of pregnancy. 
C) Breasts should be inspected for visible veins,which should be reported immediately if present. 
D) Breast changes are fairly uncommon during pregnancy;most of the changes occur after delivery.

Question 12

While examining a 75-year-old woman,the nurse notes that the skin over her right breast is thickened and the hair follicles appear exaggerated.This condition is known as:

Accepted Answer

A) dimpling. 
B) retraction. 
C) peau d'orange. 
D) benign breast disease. 
A) dimpling. 
B) retraction. 
C) peau d'orange. 
D) benign breast disease.

Question 13

During breast examination,it is especially important for the nurse to examine the upper outer quadrant of the breast because it is:

Accepted Answer

A) the largest quadrant of the breast. 
B) the area where most breast tumours occur. 
C) where most of the suspensory ligaments are attached. 
D) more prone to injury and calcifications than are other areas in the breast. 
A) the largest quadrant of the breast. 
B) the area where most breast tumours occur. 
C) where most of the suspensory ligaments are attached. 
D) more prone to injury and calcifications than are other areas in the breast.

Question 14

During assessment,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 on breastfeeding.Which of the following statements about breastfeeding is accurate?

Accepted Answer

A) Breastfed babies tend to be more colicky. 
B) Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of ear infections. 
C) Breastfed babies feed more frequently than do infants on formula. 
D) Breastfeeding is natural to women,and every woman can do it. 
A) Breastfed babies tend to be more colicky. 
B) Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of ear infections. 
C) Breastfed babies feed more frequently than do infants on formula. 
D) Breastfeeding is natural to women,and every woman can do it.

Question 15

A 14-year-old girl is anxious about not having reached menarche yet.When taking a history,which of the following should the nurse ascertain?

Accepted Answer

A) The age she began to develop breasts 
B) The age her mother developed breasts 
C) The age she began to develop pubic hair 
D) The age she began to develop axillary hair 
A) The age she began to develop breasts 
B) The age her mother developed breasts 
C) The age she began to develop pubic hair 
D) The age she began to develop axillary hair

Question 16

During breast palpation,which of the following positions is most likely to clearly delineate significant lumps?

Accepted Answer

A) Supine,with arms raised over her head 
B) Sitting,with arms relaxed at the sides 
C) Supine,with arms relaxed at the sides 
D) Sitting,with arms flexed and fingertips touching shoulders 
A) Supine,with arms raised over her head 
B) Sitting,with arms relaxed at the sides 
C) Supine,with arms relaxed at the sides 
D) Sitting,with arms flexed and fingertips touching shoulders

Question 17

During the annual physical examination,a 43-year-old patient states that she does not perform breast self-examinations (BSEs).She tells the nurse that she believes that mammograms "do a much better job than I ever could to find a lump." The nurse should explain to her that:

Accepted Answer

A) mammography may detect a lump that is not palpable,but it is important to get to know your own breasts. 
B) BSE is unnecessary until the age of 50 years. 
C) she is correct,mammography is a good replacement for BSE. 
D) she does not need to perform BSE as long as a physician examines her breasts yearly. 
A) mammography may detect a lump that is not palpable,but it is important to get to know your own breasts. 
B) BSE is unnecessary until the age of 50 years. 
C) she is correct,mammography is a good replacement for BSE. 
D) she does not need to perform BSE as long as a physician examines her breasts yearly.

Question 18

During breast examination,which of the following is the correct procedure to screen for nipple or skin retraction?

Accepted Answer

A) Have the woman bend and touch her toes with the tips of her fingers. 
B) Have the woman lie down on her left side,and note any retraction. 
C) Have the woman change from a supine position to a standing position,and note any lag or retraction. 
D) Have the woman slowly lift her arms above her head,and note any retraction or lag in movement. 
A) Have the woman bend and touch her toes with the tips of her fingers. 
B) Have the woman lie down on her left side,and note any retraction. 
C) Have the woman change from a supine position to a standing position,and note any lag or retraction. 
D) Have the woman slowly lift her arms above her head,and note any retraction or lag in movement.

Question 19

Which of the following statements reflects the best approach to teaching a woman about BSE?

Accepted Answer

A) "BSE is more important for you,since you have never had any children." 
B) "BSE is very important because one out of nine women will develop breast cancer." 
C) "Monthly BSE is no longer routinely recommended for women who have a low to average risk for developing breast cancer." 
D) "BSE will save your life because there is a likelihood of finding a cancerous lump between mammograms." 
A) "BSE is more important for you,since you have never had any children." 
B) "BSE is very important because one out of nine women will develop breast cancer." 
C) "Monthly BSE is no longer routinely recommended for women who have a low to average risk for developing breast cancer." 
D) "BSE will save your life because there is a likelihood of finding a cancerous lump between mammograms."

Question 20

A patient is newly diagnosed with benign breast disease.Which of the following statements about benign breast disease is true? The presence of benign breast disease:

Accepted Answer

A) makes it more difficult to examine the breasts. 
B) frequently turns into cancer in a woman's later years. 
C) is easily resolved with hormone replacement therapy. 
D) is usually diagnosed before a woman reaches the childbearing age. 
A) makes it more difficult to examine the breasts. 
B) frequently turns into cancer in a woman's later years. 
C) is easily resolved with hormone replacement therapy. 
D) is usually diagnosed before a woman reaches the childbearing age.

Exam 18: Breasts and Regional Lymphatic System

The nurse is discussing mammography with a postmenopausal 64-year-old woman.How often does the nurse recommend that the patient have a mammography exam?

During physical examination,a 45-year-old woman states that she has had a crusty,itchy rash on her breast for about 2 weeks.In trying to find the cause of the rash,which of the following questions would be important for the nurse to ask?

A patient contacts the clinic and tells the nurse that she is worried that her 10-year-old daughter may have breast cancer.She describes a unilateral enlargement of the right breast with associated tenderness.Which of the following would be the nurse's best response?

During 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 of the following statements about this finding is correct?

Which of the following clinical situations would the nurse consider as being outside normal limits?

Which of the following is an abnormal finding during the inspection phase of breast examination?

During assessment of a woman's axillary lymph system,the nurse will assess the:

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

While 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 woman is in the family planning clinic to obtain birth control information.She states that her breasts "change all through the month" and that she is worried that this may be unusual.Which of the following would be the nurse's best response?

A woman has just learned that she is pregnant.What are some things the nurse should teach the woman about breasts?

While examining a 75-year-old woman,the nurse notes that the skin over her right breast is thickened and the hair follicles appear exaggerated.This condition is known as:

During breast examination,it is especially important for the nurse to examine the upper outer quadrant of the breast because it is:

During assessment,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 on breastfeeding.Which of the following statements about breastfeeding is accurate?

A 14-year-old girl is anxious about not having reached menarche yet.When taking a history,which of the following should the nurse ascertain?

During breast palpation,which of the following positions is most likely to clearly delineate significant lumps?

During the annual physical examination,a 43-year-old patient states that she does not perform breast self-examinations (BSEs).She tells the nurse that she believes that mammograms "do a much better job than I ever could to find a lump." The nurse should explain to her that:

During breast examination,which of the following is the correct procedure to screen for nipple or skin retraction?

Which of the following statements reflects the best approach to teaching a woman about BSE?

A patient is newly diagnosed with benign breast disease.Which of the following statements about benign breast disease is true? The presence of benign breast disease:

Critical Thinking and Evidence-Informed Assessment

Health Promotion in the Context of Health Assessment

Cultural Competence: Cultural Care and Social Considerations in Health Assessment

The Interview

The Complete Health History

Mental Health Assessment

Substance Use in the Context of Health Assessment

Interpersonal Violence Assessment

Assessment Techniques and the Clinical Setting

General Survey, measurement, and Vital Signs

Pain Assessment

Nutritional Assessment and Nursing Practice

Skin, hair, and Nails

Head and Neck, including Regional Lymphatic System

Eyes

Ears

Nose, mouth, and Throat

Thorax and Lungs

Heart and Neck Vessels

Peripheral Vascular System and Lymphatic System

Abdomen

Anus,rectum and Prostate

Musculoskeletal System

Neurological System

Male Genitourinary System

Female Genitourinary System

The Complete Health Assessment: Putting It All Together

Bedside Assessment of the Hospitalized Patient

Pregnancy

Functional Assessment of the Older Adult

Filters