Question 1

What instructions does the nurse give a female patient when she is learning to perform breast self-examination?

Accepted Answer

A)  Press the pads of the fingers firmly to compress breast tissue against the rib cage. 
B)  Lie in front of a mirror and observe for dimpling of the skin. 
C)  Lift the fingers from the chest wall during palpation to better define the breast tissue. 
D)  Apply gentle pressure while moving the fingers in a pattern across the breast. 
A)  Press the pads of the fingers firmly to compress breast tissue against the rib cage. 
B)  Lie in front of a mirror and observe for dimpling of the skin. 
C)  Lift the fingers from the chest wall during palpation to better define the breast tissue. 
D)  Apply gentle pressure while moving the fingers in a pattern across the breast. D

Question 2

A nurse becomes suspicious that a patient may have breast cancer based on which abnormal finding?

Accepted Answer

A)  An irregularly shaped hard mass in one breast 
B)  Bilateral, small, nontender nodes close to the surface 
C)  Multiple rubbery-feeling lumps with well-defined borders 
D)  A mobile, firm lump located in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast 
A)  An irregularly shaped hard mass in one breast 
B)  Bilateral, small, nontender nodes close to the surface 
C)  Multiple rubbery-feeling lumps with well-defined borders 
D)  A mobile, firm lump located in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast A

Question 3

During a breast examination of a healthy female, the nurse recognizes which finding as normal?

Accepted Answer

A)  Asymmetrical venous pattern 
B)  Unequal nipple size 
C)  Supernumerary nipples along the milk line 
D)  Pink discharge from one nipple when manipulated 
A)  Asymmetrical venous pattern 
B)  Unequal nipple size 
C)  Supernumerary nipples along the milk line 
D)  Pink discharge from one nipple when manipulated C

Question 4

Which statement by a 40-year-old man would be most indicative of possible breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I had embarrassing breast enlargement when I was a teenager." 
B)  "I think I felt a hard spot in my left breast, but it does not hurt." 
C)  "My right breast has always been a little smaller than the left." 
D)  "My father's breasts got larger after he was older." 
A)  "I had embarrassing breast enlargement when I was a teenager." 
B)  "I think I felt a hard spot in my left breast, but it does not hurt." 
C)  "My right breast has always been a little smaller than the left." 
D)  "My father's breasts got larger after he was older."

Question 5

A patient had a left radical mastectomy last year. The nurse assesses for painless and nonpitting swelling of the arm on that side. Which complication of a mastectomy is the nurse assessing for?

Accepted Answer

A)  Infection 
B)  Lymphedema 
C)  Inflammation 
D)  Lymphoma 
A)  Infection 
B)  Lymphedema 
C)  Inflammation 
D)  Lymphoma

Question 6

When examining the lymph nodes of an adult female patient, the nurse recognizes which finding as normal?

Accepted Answer

A)  Visible superficial nodes 
B)  Palpable supraclavicular nodes 
C)  Nonpalpable lymph nodes in the axilla 
D)  Enlarged, fixed nodes in the neck 
A)  Visible superficial nodes 
B)  Palpable supraclavicular nodes 
C)  Nonpalpable lymph nodes in the axilla 
D)  Enlarged, fixed nodes in the neck

Question 7

During a breast examination of a male patient, the nurse recognizes which finding as normal?

Accepted Answer

A)  Bilateral nontender flat breasts with symmetric nipple and areolar areas 
B)  A fibrous layer of subcutaneous breast tissue that is thicker than in women 
C)  Breast tenderness on the dominant side but not on the other side 
D)  Bilateral symmetry of breasts with absence of hair in the areolar areas 
A)  Bilateral nontender flat breasts with symmetric nipple and areolar areas 
B)  A fibrous layer of subcutaneous breast tissue that is thicker than in women 
C)  Breast tenderness on the dominant side but not on the other side 
D)  Bilateral symmetry of breasts with absence of hair in the areolar areas

Question 8

Which technique does a nurse use to palpate the patient's axillary lymph nodes?

Accepted Answer

A)  With the patient sitting, the nurse places fingers of both hands deep into the axilla, one hand on either side, and firmly pushes the axillary tissue toward the center to feel for enlarged nodes. 
B)  With the patient lying supine with arms at the sides, the nurse uses the tips of the fingers of one hand to palpate the axilla moving from the posterior to the anterior aspect of the axilla to feel for enlarged nodes. 
C)  With the patient lying supine with the hand behind the head of the side being assessed, the nurse uses the pads of fingers of one hand to systematically palpate the axilla using small circular motions to feel for enlarged nodes. 
D)  With the patient sitting, the nurse places fingers of one hand deep into the axilla and firmly slides the fingers along the patient's middle, anterior, and posterior of the axilla to feel for enlarged nodes. 
A)  With the patient sitting, the nurse places fingers of both hands deep into the axilla, one hand on either side, and firmly pushes the axillary tissue toward the center to feel for enlarged nodes. 
B)  With the patient lying supine with arms at the sides, the nurse uses the tips of the fingers of one hand to palpate the axilla moving from the posterior to the anterior aspect of the axilla to feel for enlarged nodes. 
C)  With the patient lying supine with the hand behind the head of the side being assessed, the nurse uses the pads of fingers of one hand to systematically palpate the axilla using small circular motions to feel for enlarged nodes. 
D)  With the patient sitting, the nurse places fingers of one hand deep into the axilla and firmly slides the fingers along the patient's middle, anterior, and posterior of the axilla to feel for enlarged nodes.

Question 9

What technique does a nurse use when performing a breast examination on a patient who has had a mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

A)  Excludes palpation of the axillary area where there was lymph node dissection 
B)  Inspects and palpates both the operative and the nonoperative sides 
C)  Avoids palpating the scar to prevent causing the patient any discomfort 
D)  Palpates only the muscle tissue on the affected side 
A)  Excludes palpation of the axillary area where there was lymph node dissection 
B)  Inspects and palpates both the operative and the nonoperative sides 
C)  Avoids palpating the scar to prevent causing the patient any discomfort 
D)  Palpates only the muscle tissue on the affected side

Question 10

A nurse performing a breast examination on a female patient places the patient in a supine position, places a pillow under the right shoulder, and asks the patient to place her right lower arm above her head. What is the reason for this position?

Accepted Answer

A)  Flatten the breast tissue evenly over the chest wall. 
B)  Help the patient to relax and feel more comfortable. 
C)  Reveal lumps deep in the breast more easily. 
D)  Expose any drainage from the nipples. 
A)  Flatten the breast tissue evenly over the chest wall. 
B)  Help the patient to relax and feel more comfortable. 
C)  Reveal lumps deep in the breast more easily. 
D)  Expose any drainage from the nipples.

Question 11

Which lifestyle behaviors do nurses ask about to identify patients with risk factors for breast cancer? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)  Obesity after age 50 
B)  Smoking more than 1 pack of cigarettes a day 
C)  Never having given birth to a viable infant 
D)  Drinking two to five alcoholic beverages a day 
E)  Estrogen replacement therapy for more than 5 years
F) High blood pressure for more than 3 years 
A)  Obesity after age 50 
B)  Smoking more than 1 pack of cigarettes a day 
C)  Never having given birth to a viable infant 
D)  Drinking two to five alcoholic beverages a day 
E)  Estrogen replacement therapy for more than 5 years
F) High blood pressure for more than 3 years

Question 12

In assessing the breast of a male patient, the nurse places him in which position?

Accepted Answer

A)  Standing with hands over the head 
B)  Supine with the hand on the side being examined placed behind the head 
C)  Sitting with arms at the side 
D)  Bending forward 45 degrees at the waist 
A)  Standing with hands over the head 
B)  Supine with the hand on the side being examined placed behind the head 
C)  Sitting with arms at the side 
D)  Bending forward 45 degrees at the waist

Question 13

While giving a presentation about breast health, a nurse informs patients about which recommendation?

Accepted Answer

A)  Women in their 30s should have annual clinical breast examinations. 
B)  Women at high risk of breast cancer should have semiannual mammograms. 
C)  Women who are postmenopausal require clinical breast examination every 5 years. 
D)  A screening mammogram is recommended for all women beginning at age 50 years. 
A)  Women in their 30s should have annual clinical breast examinations. 
B)  Women at high risk of breast cancer should have semiannual mammograms. 
C)  Women who are postmenopausal require clinical breast examination every 5 years. 
D)  A screening mammogram is recommended for all women beginning at age 50 years.

Question 14

In reviewing the charts of several patients in the clinic, a nurse recognizes which patient as being at highest risk of breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

A)  A woman who had her first child at age 26 
B)  A woman who reached menopause at age 58 
C)  A woman who breastfed all four of her children 
D)  A woman who states that she reached menarche at age 14 
A)  A woman who had her first child at age 26 
B)  A woman who reached menopause at age 58 
C)  A woman who breastfed all four of her children 
D)  A woman who states that she reached menarche at age 14

Question 15

In assessing a patient with lymphedema after a mastectomy, the nurse expects which finding?

Accepted Answer

A)  Fragile, thin, pale skin covering the area of lymphedema 
B)  Several brownish-red discolorations in the center of the affected arm 
C)  Unilateral nonpitting edema of the affected arm 
D)  Pitting edema of affected arm 
A)  Fragile, thin, pale skin covering the area of lymphedema 
B)  Several brownish-red discolorations in the center of the affected arm 
C)  Unilateral nonpitting edema of the affected arm 
D)  Pitting edema of affected arm

Question 16

A patient comes to the clinic because she found a mass in her left breast that is present during and after her menstrual periods. On palpation the nurse finds a mass in the left breast that is round, rubbery, mobile, and nontender. This finding is consistent with which breast disorder?

Accepted Answer

A)  Fibrocystic breast disease 
B)  Invasive breast cancer 
C)  Mastitis 
D)  Fibroadenoma 
A)  Fibrocystic breast disease 
B)  Invasive breast cancer 
C)  Mastitis 
D)  Fibroadenoma

Question 17

What is the purpose of asking a female to lean forward during the breast examination?

Accepted Answer

A)  To accentuate the Montgomery glands 
B)  To observe for symmetry of the suspensory ligaments 
C)  To compare nipple symmetry 
D)  To identify any breast masses in the subcutaneous tissues 
A)  To accentuate the Montgomery glands 
B)  To observe for symmetry of the suspensory ligaments 
C)  To compare nipple symmetry 
D)  To identify any breast masses in the subcutaneous tissues

Question 18

In a presentation on breast cancer risk factors, a nurse would be accurate in making which statement?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Women who breastfeed their children are at increased risk of breast cancer." 
B)  "Women who are more than 30% overweight are at increased risk of breast cancer." 
C)  "African-American women have the highest risk of breast cancer." 
D)  "Women who have children before age 30 are at increased risk of breast cancer." 
A)  "Women who breastfeed their children are at increased risk of breast cancer." 
B)  "Women who are more than 30% overweight are at increased risk of breast cancer." 
C)  "African-American women have the highest risk of breast cancer." 
D)  "Women who have children before age 30 are at increased risk of breast cancer."

Question 19

A patient comes to the clinic complaining of a new onset of nipple discharge. After inspection of the breast and discharge, what action of the nurse has the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

A)  Palpating both breasts comparing amount of discharge 
B)  Asking the patient about breast pain 
C)  Asking the patient to raise her arms and comparing the movement of the breasts 
D)  Obtaining a specimen of the discharge for cytology 
A)  Palpating both breasts comparing amount of discharge 
B)  Asking the patient about breast pain 
C)  Asking the patient to raise her arms and comparing the movement of the breasts 
D)  Obtaining a specimen of the discharge for cytology

Question 20

The nurse would give immediate attention to the patient who presents with which complaint?

Accepted Answer

A)  Bilateral breast swelling 
B)  Unilateral nipple discharge 
C)  A breast lump that changes during the menstrual cycle 
D)  Unequal breast size 
A)  Bilateral breast swelling 
B)  Unilateral nipple discharge 
C)  A breast lump that changes during the menstrual cycle 
D)  Unequal breast size

Exam 16: Breasts and Axillae

What instructions does the nurse give a female patient when she is learning to perform breast self-examination?

A nurse becomes suspicious that a patient may have breast cancer based on which abnormal finding?

During a breast examination of a healthy female, the nurse recognizes which finding as normal?

Which statement by a 40-year-old man would be most indicative of possible breast cancer?

A patient had a left radical mastectomy last year. The nurse assesses for painless and nonpitting swelling of the arm on that side. Which complication of a mastectomy is the nurse assessing for?

When examining the lymph nodes of an adult female patient, the nurse recognizes which finding as normal?

During a breast examination of a male patient, the nurse recognizes which finding as normal?

Which technique does a nurse use to palpate the patient's axillary lymph nodes?

What technique does a nurse use when performing a breast examination on a patient who has had a mastectomy?

A nurse performing a breast examination on a female patient places the patient in a supine position, places a pillow under the right shoulder, and asks the patient to place her right lower arm above her head. What is the reason for this position?

Which lifestyle behaviors do nurses ask about to identify patients with risk factors for breast cancer? (Select all that apply.)

In assessing the breast of a male patient, the nurse places him in which position?

While giving a presentation about breast health, a nurse informs patients about which recommendation?

In reviewing the charts of several patients in the clinic, a nurse recognizes which patient as being at highest risk of breast cancer?

In assessing a patient with lymphedema after a mastectomy, the nurse expects which finding?

A patient comes to the clinic because she found a mass in her left breast that is present during and after her menstrual periods. On palpation the nurse finds a mass in the left breast that is round, rubbery, mobile, and nontender. This finding is consistent with which breast disorder?

What is the purpose of asking a female to lean forward during the breast examination?

In a presentation on breast cancer risk factors, a nurse would be accurate in making which statement?

A patient comes to the clinic complaining of a new onset of nipple discharge. After inspection of the breast and discharge, what action of the nurse has the highest priority?

The nurse would give immediate attention to the patient who presents with which complaint?

Introduction to Health Assessment

Obtaining a Health History

Techniques and Equipment for Physical Assessment

General Inspection and Measurement of Vital Signs

Cultural Assessment

Pain Assessment

Mental Health Assessment

Nutritional Assessment

Skin, Hair, and Nails

Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat

Lungs and Respiratory System

Heart and Peripheral Vascular System

Abdomen and Gastrointestinal System

Musculoskeletal System

Neurologic System

Reproductive System and the Perineum

Developmental Assessment Throughout the Life Span

Assessment of the Infant, Child, and Adolescent

Assessment of the Pregnant Patient

Assessment of the Older Adult

Conducting a Head-to-Toe Examination

Documenting the Comprehensive Health Assessment

Adapting Health Assessment to the Hospitalized Patient

Filters