Medical Surgical Nursing: Breast Examination

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Questions and Answers

What are the primary purposes of the physical examination related to the breast?

To promote health and detect health problems at an early stage.

What position should the patient be in during a breast examination?

The patient should be in a sitting position.

What should be palpated during a breast examination?

The areola and the nipples for masses or discharge.

What should be documented during a breast health assessment?

Documentation should include findings such as tenderness, masses, or discharge characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What normal findings should a healthcare provider expect during a breast examination?

No tenderness, masses, nodules, or nipple discharge. Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structures support the breast?

Cooper's ligaments (fibrous tissue) and glandular lobes. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key assessment technique to teach clients?

The technique of breast self-examination. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to assess for discharge during breast palpation?

Discharge characteristics (amount, color, consistency, odor) can indicate underlying issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the condition of enlarged male breasts. Signup and view all the answers

What technique can minimize patient discomfort during axillary palpation?

Warming your hands before palpation can minimize patient discomfort. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how to palpate the central axillary nodes.

To palpate the central nodes, press your fingers downward and toward the chest wall. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of palpating the pectoral and anterior axillary nodes?

Palpating these nodes helps detect any abnormalities or swelling associated with underlying conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How can lateral axillary nodes be palpated effectively?

Lateral nodes can be palpated by pressing fingers along the upper inner arm to compress them against the humerus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended position for palpating the subscapular or posterior nodes?

Stand behind the patient to palpate the inside of the muscle in the posterior axillary fold. Signup and view all the answers

List one reference book relevant to health assessment in nursing mentioned in the document.

One relevant book is 'Health Assessment in Nursing' by Weber and Kelley. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three techniques mentioned for documenting a breast lump?

The techniques are circular, wedged, and vertical strip. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Objectives

Understand purposes of breast physical examination: promote health, detect early-stage problems, assess breast-related issues.
Learn proper documentation and reporting of health assessment findings.

Overview

Include axillae and upper extremity in breast assessments.

Normal Anatomy

Be familiar with normal breast anatomy, including lobes and ducts.
Recognize support structures like Cooper’s ligaments.

Breast Examination Techniques

Inspection: Look for skin dimpling and other surface anomalies.
Position the patient sitting for optimal examination.

Breast Palpation

Palpate the areola and nipples for masses or discharge.
Assess discharge based on amount, color, consistency, and odor.
Normal findings should show no tenderness, masses, or nipple discharge.
Teach patients breast self-examination techniques.

Documentation of Breast Findings

Use various documentation patterns to note breast lumps: circular, wedged, vertical strip.

Male Breast Assessment

Understand gynecomastia as an enlarged male breast condition.
Assess male breasts similarly to female breasts.

Axillary Palpation

Warm hands before palpation to minimize patient discomfort.
Palpate central nodes by pressing inward toward the chest wall.
Palpate pectoral nodes by grasping and feeling inside pectoral muscle borders.
For lateral nodes, press fingers along the upper inner arm against the humerus.
Palpate subscapular nodes by pressing fingers in the posterior axillary fold from behind the patient.

Key Points

Ensure proper techniques are followed to minimize discomfort.
Assess all relevant areas systematically for a thorough evaluation.

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Description

This quiz covers the key objectives related to the physical examination of the breast in Medical Surgical Nursing. Students will focus on understanding the purposes of the examination, promoting health, detecting issues early, and mastering documentation and reporting skills. Ensure you are familiar with relevant nursing practices.