Chapter 6 -- Disorders of the Breasts
At what age should a woman with no risk factors begin mammography screening for breast cancer?
40
Which finding would the nurse expect when assessing the breasts of a client with fibrocystic breast disease? nipple retraction soft mass enlarged lymph nodes skin dimpling
soft mass The characteristic breast mass of fibrocystic disease is soft to firm, movable, and unlikely to cause nipple retraction. Nipple retraction, enlarged lymph nodes, and skin dimpling are more commonly associated with breast cancer.
As part of a presentation on breast cancer being given to a local woman's group, the nurse describes the need for early detection through screening. Applying the guidelines from the American Cancer Society, the nurse would emphasize which recommendation? yearly mammograms for women over age 40 clinical breast examinations every 2 years for women over age 30 breast self-examination at least yearly for women over age 20 mammograms every 3 years for women between the ages of 20 and 39 years
yearly mammograms for women over age 40 The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women over age 40. Clinical breast examinations are recommended every year starting at age 40. According to the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines, breast self-examination is optional.
A woman diagnosed with breast cancer is to undergo a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy. When reviewing the treatment plan with the client, the nurse determines that the woman has understood the information based on which client statement? "I'll have a portion of my breast removed, and then they'll do high-dose radiation in the operating room." "After they remove the tumor and some of the normal tissue, I'll start radiation in about 2 to 4 weeks." "The radiation will be targeted to the area near my underarm to get at the lymph nodes." "After the lumpectomy, I'll have to wait about 6 months before I can begin to receive the radiation."
"After they remove the tumor and some of the normal tissue, I'll start radiation in about 2 to 4 weeks." Women undergoing breast-conserving therapy receive radiation after lumpectomy with the goal of eradicating residual microscopic cancer cells to limit locoregional recurrence. In women who do not require adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy typically begins 2 to 4 weeks after surgery to allow healing of the lumpectomy incision site. Radiation is administered to the entire breast at daily doses over a period of several weeks. Breast-conserving surgery, the least invasive procedure, is the wide local excision (or lumpectomy) of the tumor along with a 1-cm margin of normal tissue.
The nurse is teaching a client with mastitis about care measures. Which client statement indicates effective teaching? "I need to wear a breast shield to keep the area moist." "I can stop the antibiotic after 5 days." "I can use warm soaks to my breast to relieve the discomfort." "I should avoid pumping my breasts until the infection is cleared."
"I can use warm soaks to my breast to relieve the discomfort." Applying warm soaks to the breast or letting warm water from the shower flow over the breast can help to relieve some of the discomfort. Breast shields should be avoided because they trap breast milk and moisture around the nipple. The client needs to continue antibiotic therapy as prescribed for the entire treatment period, usually 10 days. The client can express milk with a breast pump until the infection resolves sufficiently to resume breast feeding.
At a class for new mothers, the nurse notes that the participants need more teaching when one of the mothers makes which comment? "I have to stop breastfeeding because of mastitis." "I can use warm compresses to ease the discomfort." "Breastfeeding every four hours appears to help." "I have been using a breast pump after feeding my baby."
"I have to stop breastfeeding because of mastitis." The nurse should teach the women about the etiology of mastitis and encourage breast-feeding, emphasizing that it is safe for infants. Continued emptying of the breast or pumping improves the outcome, decreases the duration of symptoms, and decreases the incidence of breast abscess.
After teaching a client with mastitis about caring for her breasts, the nurse determines that the client has understood the instructions when she makes which statement? "I need to apply cold soaks to the breast several times a day." "I will express milk with a breast pump until infection is resolved." "I should avoid wearing a bra because it would increase the pain." "Until the infection is gone, I can't take a tub bath or shower."
"I will express milk with a breast pump until infection is resolved." The client statement about expressing milk with a breast pump until the infection is resolved indicates effective teaching. The client should apply warm soaks to the breast or let warm water from a shower flow over the breast. The nurse should advise the client to wear a supportive brassiere. The client should bathe or shower regularly.
It is recommended that a 48-year-old female client with breast cancer undergo a sentinel lymph node biopsy before a lumpectomy. The client asks the nurse the reason for removing the sentinel lymph node. Which statement would the nurse make? "It will prevent lymphedema, which is a common side effect." "It will reveal the hormone receptor status of the cancer." "It will lessen the aggressiveness of the subsequent chemotherapy." "It will decrease the amount of treatment you need."
"It will prevent lymphedema, which is a common side effect." The nurse should inform the client that removing only the sentinel lymph node prevents side effects such as lymphedema, which is otherwise associated with a traditional axillary lymph node dissection. It does not help reveal the hormonal status of the cancer. Hormone-receptor status can be revealed through normal breast epithelium, which has hormone receptors and responds specifically to the stimulatory effects of estrogen and progesterone. A sentinel lymph node biopsy will determine how powerful a chemotherapy regimen the client will have to undergo, but undergoing a sentinel lymph node biopsy will not lessen the aggressiveness of the chemotherapy. Degree of HER-2/neu oncoprotein will be revealed through the HER-2/neu genetic marker, not through a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
While performing a clinical breast examination, the nurse notes a firm and rubbery nodule that is well circumscribed and moves freely. How should the nurse counsel the client? "You may have breast cancer." "It's most likely a fibroadenoma, but we may need to do a biopsy." "This is a normal breast finding, and you don't have to worry about it." "This could be a fibrocystic breast change, but we may need to do a biopsy."
"It's most likely a fibroadenoma, but we may need to do a biopsy." This description most closely matches a fibroadenoma, but diagnostic imaging and even biopsy are warranted to confirm and rule out a cancerous tumor. The nurse should never tell the client that she may have cancer because this will only cause anxiety.
The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old woman whose sisters and mother died of breast cancer. The client states, "My doctor wants me to take tamoxifen to help prevent breast cancer. What do you think?" What would be the nurse's best response? "We call this drug a chemotherapy agent." "Tamoxifen prevents osteoporosis." "I would recommend raloxifene." "Tamoxifen reduces the incidence."
"Tamoxifen reduces the incidence." Tamoxifen is referred to as a chemopreventive agent, not a chemotherapeutic agent. It does prevent osteoporosis, but this response does not address breast cancer prevention. Raloxifene is another drug that shows promise as a chemopreventive agent. Tamoxifen reduces breast cancer incidence by 49%.
How should the nurse counsel a postpartum client on how to prevent mastitis? "Wash your hands thoroughly, and let your breasts dry after each feeding." "If you notice that your breast is warm, hard, or red, stop feeding on that side and pump from that breast instead." "Be sure to keep your breasts covered when you are not feeding or pumping." "Sterilize your bottles and pump equipment after each use."
"Wash your hands thoroughly, and let your breasts dry after each feeding." Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent infection. If the woman feels that her breast is warm, hard, or red, she should increase the amount of breastfeeding from that side. It is not necessary to sterilize bottles and pumping equipment after each use. Normal dish washing is sufficient. Keeping the breasts exposed to the air to dry will aid in preventing infection.
After finding a breast mass on a routine examination and undergoing diagnostic studies, a woman is diagnosed with a fibroadenoma. The treatment plan focuses on watchful waiting. When would the nurse instruct the client to return for reevaluation? 3 months 6 months 9 months 1 year
6 months A client with fibroadenoma being treated with watchful waiting should return for a reevaluation in 6 months, perform monthly self-breast exams, and return annually for a clinical breast exam.
When preparing a teaching plan for a woman with mastitis, the nurse would include which instruction? Cease breastfeeding to prevent transmission to the infant. Limit fluid intake to minimize swelling. Apply warm compresses to the affected breast. Avoid the use of a supportive bra to prevent pressure on the inflamed breast.
Apply warm compresses to the affected breast. Warm compresses are soothing and help reduce inflammation. Breastfeeding is encouraged with mastitis to ensure continued emptying of the breast. Fluid intake is encouraged to promote milk production and resolution of infection. Wearing a supportive bra 24 hours a day is necessary to support the breasts.
A female client is diagnosed with breast abscess. Although she has been allowed to breastfeed her newborn, she decides to terminate breastfeeding. Which action would be most appropriate in this situation? Encourage the client to include protein content in the diet. Instruct the client to wear a loose-fitting bra. Reduce the frequency of removing and reapplying the dressings. Assist the client to pump the breasts to remove breast milk.
Assist the client to pump the breasts to remove breast milk. The nurse should help the client pump the breasts and remove breast milk to prevent engorgement. Because the client has decided to terminate breastfeeding, the client should wear a tight-fitting bra. Including protein content in the diet would be unrelated to the client's current situation.
When preparing for a class on breast cancer, the nurse should explain which nonmodifiable risk factors? Select all that apply. BRCA-1 gene menarche at age 11 being a 52-year-old female failing to breastfeed infants high-fat dietary intake
BRCA-1 gene menarche at age 11 being a 52-year-old female Risk factors can be divided into those that cannot be changed (nonmodifiable) and that that can (modifiable). Nonmodifiable risk factors include gender, age (>50 years old), genetic mutations, personal history of ovarian or colon cancer, early menarche (<12 years old) and race (higher in Caucasian women) just to name a few. Failing to breastfeed, high fat dietary intake, and lack of exercise are examples of modifiable risk factors.
A nurse is teaching a group of young adult women about the different benign breast disorders. When describing fibrocystic breast changes, which characteristics would the nurse include? Select all that apply. Clear nipple discharge may or may not be present. The changes usually involve one breast. The pain is cyclic and usually decreases after the onset of menses. These changes are most common between the ages of 20 and 50. The lesions move freely when the breast is palpated.
Clear nipple discharge may or may not be present. The pain is cyclic and usually decreases after the onset of menses. These changes are most common between the ages of 20 and 50. The lesions move freely when the breast is palpated. Characteristics of fibrocystic breast changes include the following: spontaneous clear to yellow nipple discharge when the breast is squeezed or manipulated in some women; changes occurring in both breasts; pain that is cyclic and that usually dissipates after the onset of menses; condition most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50; and lesions moving freely when the breast is palpated.
A nurse is caring for a client who has just had her intraductal papilloma removed through a surgical procedure. What instructions should the nurse give this client as part of her care? Apply warm compresses to the affected breast. Continue monthly breast self-examinations. Wear a supportive bra 24 hours per day. Refrain from consuming salt in diet.
Continue monthly breast self-examinations. When caring for a client who has just undergone surgery for intraductal papilloma, the nurse should instruct the client to continue monthly breast self-examinations along with yearly clinical breast examinations. Applying warm compresses to the affected breast and wearing a supportive bra 24 hours a day are instructions given in cases of mastitis but not for intraductal papilloma. The nurse should instruct clients to refrain from consuming salt in the diet in cases of fibrocystic breast changes but not in cases of intraductal papilloma.
A client diagnosed with breast cancer is receiving chemotherapy. The nurse assesses the client for possible side effects of this therapy. Which side effect would the nurse report immediately to the health care provider? diarrhea nausea stomatitis bone marrow suppression
bone marrow suppression Typical side effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, hair loss, weight loss, stomatitis, fatigue, and immunosuppression. The most serious is bone marrow suppression (myelosuppression). This causes an increased risk of infection, bleeding, and a reduced red blood cell count, which can lead to anemia.
In the United States, what type of cancer accounts for one-third of cancer diagnoses and is the most common cancer in women? breast cancer ovarian cancer lung cancer uterine cancer
breast cancer According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), in the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and accounts for 1 in 3 cancer diagnoses.
A female client with metastatic breast disease is receiving trastuzumab as part of her immunotherapy. The client has nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, appears jaundice, and has a distended abdomen. What would the nurse do next? Notify the health care provider. Decrease the trastuzumab infusion rate. Assess the client's white blood cell count. Continue to monitor the client.
Notify the health care provider. Adverse effects of trastuzumab include cardiac toxicity, vascular thrombosis, hepatic failure, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain with first infusion. The nurse should monitor for these adverse effects with the first infusion of trastuzumab. The nurse would notify the health care provider since the client is showing signs of hepatic failure.
Which statement is accurate regarding the treatment of breast cancer? Because breast cancer is often a systemic disease, chemotherapy is not effective. Often, the first treatment option for breast cancer is surgery. Women with hormone-sensitive cancers often have a poor prognosis and require many different types of treatment. Immunotherapy is seldom used as an adjunct therapy.
Often, the first treatment option for breast cancer is surgery. Often, the first treatment option presented to women diagnosed with breast cancer is surgical removal of the tumor. Women with hormone-sensitive cancers have a good prognosis and often need only hormonal treatment. Immunotherapy is often used as an adjunct to surgery. Chemotherapy is effective in treating systemic cancers.
Which breast disorder is not benign? fibrocystic breasts fibroadenomas Paget's disease duct ectasia
Paget's disease Paget's disease of the nipple is a rare cancer of the nipple and surrounding skin. Fibrocystic breasts, fibroadenomas, and duct ectasia are all benign conditions of the breast.
A woman has been treated for a tumor of the left breast that has not responded to chemotherapy. The woman has just found out that she has the BRCA mutations and discusses her options with her primary care provider. Which treatment would be most difficult for this woman? more aggressive chemotherapy left mastectomy radiation therapy bilateral mastectomy
bilateral mastectomy Chemotherapy, left mastectomy, and radiation therapy may be difficult for the woman, but the most difficult and controversial treatment is bilateral mastectomy. Right mastectomy is considered a prophylactic mastectomy, which is a primary prevention modality. Clients who are considering prophylactic mastectomy are often faced with a very controversial and emotional decision.
During a follow-up visit, a female client who underwent a mastectomy asks the nurse if she can work in her backyard or at least do some household work. Which suggestion would be most appropriate? Avoid working in the garden or yard altogether. Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid any injuries. Increase the frequency of follow-up visits if she does work. Avoid household chores for at least 6 to 9 months.
Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid any injuries. The nurse should recommend that the client wear gloves when doing backyard work or housework to prevent injuries that may heal slowly or become infected. Working, whether it be in the backyard or doing some household chores, can be helpful in promoting feelings of usefulness, thereby enhancing the client's coping abilities and self-esteem. She could be advised to follow up more frequently; however, this would not help prevent any untoward injury.
In which client would the nurse suspect cancer? a 45-year-old with thickening in one breast with nipple irritation and retraction and a pink discharge a 25-year-old with multiple small, round, and smooth lesions on both breasts that are painful during menstruation a 30-year-old with a mobile, rubbery, firm, well-circumscribed, nontender lump a 40-year-old with nipple retraction and a watery discharge
a 45-year-old with thickening in one breast with nipple irritation and retraction and a pink discharge The 25-year-old most likely has fibrocystic breast changes. The 30-year-old most likely has a fibroadenoma. The 40-year-old most likely has an intraductal papilloma. Further assessment is needed to confirm each of these, but this is what the nurse would first suspect.
A 27-year-old lactating client presents with the report of a solid, painless lump in her left breast. On examination, the nurse notes that the lump is mobile and slightly tender to pressure. The nurse suspects this is: a fibroadenoma. an inflamed milk duct. mastitis. malignant mass.
a fibroadenoma. Fibroadenomas are common, benign, solid breast tumors. They can be stimulated by lactation. They usually feel round or oval, firm, rubbery and smooth, and are mobile and may be tender. Redness, swelling and inflamation would suggest mastitis or an inflamed milk duct. A malignant mass would most likely be painless and immobile.
After teaching a group of students about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, the instructor determines that additional teaching is needed when the group identifies which sign? peau d'orange skin breast symmetry nipple retraction painless mass
breast symmetry The primary sign of breast cancer is a painless mass in the breast. Other signs of breast cancer include a bloody discharge from the nipple, a dimpling of the skin over the lesion, retraction of the nipple, peau d'orange (orange peel) appearance of the skin, and a difference in size between the breasts.
A 41-year-old female client arrives at a health care setting reporting dull nipple pain with a burning sensation, accompanied by pruritus around the nipple. The primary care provider suspects mammary duct ectasia. Which prescription should the nurse question? penicillin orally for 10 days acetaminophen as needed for discomfort monitor temperature cool compresses to the affected area
cool compresses to the affected area The symptom of mammary duct ectasia include the presence of green, brown, straw-colored, reddish, gray, or cream-colored nipple discharge with a consistency of toothpaste. Treatment includes antibiotic therapy with penicillinase-resistant penicillin or cephalosporin, pain medication, and warm compresses to the inflamed area.
A woman who is 6 months postpartum calls the clinic and reports flu-like symptoms, an elevated temperature, and pain and redness throughout her left breast. What would the nurse suspect first? mastitis inflammatory breast cancer intraductal papilloma duct ectasia
mastitis These symptoms most closely resemble mastitis. Mastitis usually occurs in the postpartum period while the woman is still breastfeeding. Mastitis is usually unilateral and is seen as a red, painful breast with elevated temperature and flu-like symptoms.
While interviewing a woman before her yearly examination, the nurse learns that she stopped breastfeeding over a year ago but occasionally has pain on one side behind her left nipple not related to her period. Upon examination, the nurse does not palpate any lumps but finds the left nipple retracted with a greenish discharge. What would the nurse first suspect? Paget's disease duct ectasia inflammatory breast cancer mastitis
duct ectasia These symptoms most closely resemble duct ectasia, which is unilateral, is seen at or near the nipple, and often has a greenish discharge. Cancer cannot be entirely ruled out, but the nurse's first thought should be duct ectasia.
A nurse is conducting a presentation on breast cancer for a local women's group and explaining the possible risk factors associated with its development. The nurse determines that the group has understood the information when they identify which factor as increasing a woman's risk for breast cancer? having children before the age of 30 years exposure to pelvic radiation early onset of menopause early menarche
early menarche Risk factors associated with breast cancer include not having children until after the age of 30, exposure to chest radiation, late menopause and early menarche.
The primary care provider has just informed the client that her breast biopsy is positive for carcinoma. One of the nurse's first responsibilities is to assist with: education. treatment. psychiatric issues. telling the client her options.
education. The primary care provider will ultimately be responsible for treatment and deciding the client's options. The nurse will assist by helping the woman to prioritize the voluminous amount of information given to her so she can make informed decisions. The nurse should prepare an individual packet of information and review it with the client.
Which action would the nurse include in the plan of care for a client diagnosed with breast cancer who has undergone a mastectomy? counseling the client to apply elastic sleeves to her arms instructing client to use arm pumps applying ace bandages to the arms encouraging the client to perform arm exercises
encouraging the client to perform arm exercises Encouraging the client to perform arm exercises is important to maintain circulation to the arm on the affected side. Use of elastic sleeves, arm pumps, and ace bandaging is recommended for clients who may have complications following radiation or surgery for lymphedema of the arm.
A nurse is assigned to educate a group of women on cancer awareness. Which risk factors for breast cancer are modifiable? Select all that apply. failing to breastfeed for up to a year after pregnancy early menarche or late menopause postmenopausal use of estrogen and progestins not having children until after age 30 previous abnormal breast biopsy
failing to breastfeed for up to a year after pregnancy postmenopausal use of estrogen and progestins not having children until after age 30 The modifiable risk factors for breast cancer are postmenopausal use of estrogen and progestins, not having children until after the age of 30, and failing to breastfeed for up to a year after pregnancy. Early menarche or late menopause and previous abnormal breast biopsy are the nonmodifiable risk factors for breast cancer.
What is the most common breast mass in women? fibroadenoma mastitis intraductal papilloma duct ectasia
fibroadenoma A fibroadenoma is a benign mass in the breast. It is the most common breast mass among women.
A woman's breast examination reveals a small mass. Which characteristics would lead the nurse to suspect that the mass is malignant? Select all that apply. hard on palpation mobile skin dimpling painless rubbery feel clearly delineated
hard on palpation skin dimpling painless Malignant breast masses are typically described as hard on palpation and painless, with skin dimpling. Benign breast masses are described as mobile and clearly delineated, with a rubbery feel.
The nurse is reviewing the history and physical exam of a woman who has come to the clinic for a routine physical. Which factor would the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for breast cancer? 39 years of age Asian race menarche at age 14 history of ovarian cancer
history of ovarian cancer A personal history of ovarian cancer is considered a risk factor for breast cancer. Typically, breast cancer is associated with aging (women over 50 years of age). Breast cancer is more common in Caucasian women, but African-American women are more likely to die of it. Early menarche (before 12 years of age) or late onset of menopause (after age 55 years) is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer.
A 62-year-old female client arrives at a health care facility reporting skin redness in the breast area, along with skin edema. The primary care provider suspects inflammatory breast cancer. For which symptom of inflammatory breast cancer should the nurse assess? palpable mobile cysts palpable papilloma increased warmth of the breast induced nipple discharge
increased warmth of the breast Skin edema, redness, and warmth of the breast are symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer. Induced discharge is an indication of benign breast conditions, which are noncancerous. Cancer involves spontaneous nipple discharge. Papillomas and palpable mobile cysts are characteristics of fibroadenomas, intraductal papilloma, and mammary duct ectasia, which are benign breast conditions and are noncancerous.
A nurse is preparing for a presentation about breast cancer to a local women's group. Which type of breast cancer would the nurse describe as being the most common type? invasive ductal carcinoma invasive lobular carcinoma tubular carcinoma colloid carcinoma
invasive ductal carcinoma By far the most common breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma, accounting for 85% of all cases. Invasive lobular carcinoma accounts for 10% of all cases of breast cancer. Other invasive less common types are tubular carcinoma and colloid carcinoma.
What is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of cases? invasive ductal carcinoma invasive lobular carcinoma tubular carcinoma medullary carcinoma
invasive ductal carcinoma Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common type of breast cancer and accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of all cases.
The nurse is developing a presentation for a local women's health center about breast cancer. Which cancer would the nurse include as being the most common type of breast cancer? invasive ductal carcinoma infiltrating ductal carcinoma medullary carcinoma inflammatory breast cancer
invasive ductal carcinoma The most common malignancy is invasive ductal carcinoma (85%), followed by infiltrating ductal carcinoma (75%), tubular carcinoma, colloid carcinoma, medullary, and inflammatory breast cancer, the rarest but most aggressive form of breast cancer.
A client has been diagnosed with in situ breast carcinoma. The nurse explains that this means: it is noninvasive and has not extended beyond the point of origin. the cancer has moved into the surrounding tissues. the cancer is located strictly in the ductal system. the cancer has spread to the lymph system.
it is noninvasive and has not extended beyond the point of origin. In situ indicates the carcinoma is noninvasive and limited to the point of origin. It has not spread or metastasized to the surrounding tissue.
The nurse is providing care to a client who has had surgery as treatment for breast cancer. The nurse would be alert for the development of which complication? lymphedema fibrocystic breast disease fibroadenoma breast abscess
lymphedema Lymphedema occurs in some women after breast cancer surgery. It causes disfigurement and increases the lifetime potential for infection and poor healing. Fibrocystic breast disease and fibroadenoma are two benign breast conditions that occur usually in premenopausal woman. Breast abscess is the infectious and inflammatory breast condition that is common among breastfeeding mothers.
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a health fair about preventing breast cancer. Which suggestion would the nurse include? delaying having children until after age 30 maintaining an ideal weight opting for estrogen only replacement therapy during menopause increasing the intake of caffeinated drinks
maintaining an ideal weight Maintaining an ideal weight decreases the risk of breast cancer. Having no children or having children after age 30 is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. Some breast tumors are hormone dependent, such that estrogen (or progesterone) enhances tumor growth. Women are advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol, not caffeine, because alcohol correlates with an increased risk of breast cancer.
A client is considering breast augmentation. What would the nurse recommend to the client to ensure that there are no malignancies? mammogram mastopexy ultrasound breast biopsy
mammogram When caring for a client considering breast augmentation, the nurse should provide her with a general guideline to have a mammogram to verify that there are no malignancies. Mastopexy involves a breast lift for drooping breasts. Ultrasound or breast biopsy would not be necessary unless there was evidence of a problem
A woman is scheduled to undergo a modified radical mastectomy. Which information would the nurse include when describing this surgery to the client? the resulting concave appearance of the anterior chest sparing of the pectoral muscles and axillary lymph nodes wide excision of the tumor along with a 1-cm margin of normal tissue removal of breast tissue, axillary nodes, and some chest muscles
removal of breast tissue, axillary nodes, and some chest muscles A modified radical mastectomy involves removal of breast tissue, the axillary nodes, and some chest muscles but not the pectoralis major muscle. The surgery will not produce a concave anterior chest. With a simple mastectomy, all breast tissue, the nipple, and the areola are removed, but the axillary nodes and pectoral muscles are spared. A lumpectomy, or breast-conserving surgery, involves the wide local excision of the tumor along with a 1-cm margin of normal tissue.
All options are characteristics of malignant breast disease except: painless and nontender masses. immobile, fixed masses. skin dimpling and nipple retraction. smooth, firm, rubbery masses.
smooth, firm, rubbery masses. Malignant breast disease is generally characterized by immobile, fixed lumps that may cause skin dimpling and nipple retraction. They are generally painless and not tender. They usually are not smooth and have poorly delineated edges.
A breast tumor is most likely found in what part of the breast? the upper outer quadrant near the nipple at the areola the upper inner quadrant
the upper outer quadrant Although they can occur throughout the breast, breast tumors are most frequently located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast.
A client with breast cancer is prescribed immunotherapy as part of her chemotherapy regimen. The nurse would most likely identify which drug? trastuzumab tamoxifen letrozole raloxifene
trastuzumab Trastuzumab is the first monoclonal antibody (immunotherapy) approved for treating breast cancer. Tamoxifen and raloxifene are selective estrogen receptor modulators. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor used to treat advanced breast cancer.
A nurse is providing care to a client diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. Which finding would the nurse interpret as characteristic of this stage? tumor that is localized in the early stages tumor that is about 3/4 inch (1.9 centimeters) in diameter tumor that is about 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in diameter with positive lymph nodes tumor that has metastasized to other organs
tumor that is about 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in diameter with positive lymph nodes Stage II breast cancer is characterized by a tumor that is 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 centimeters) in diameter and spread to axillary lymph nodes. Stage I breast cancer is characterized by a localized tumor, less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter. Stage IV breast cancer is characterized by a tumor that has metastasized to other body organs.
