Chapter 18 Practice Questions - Breasts, Axilla, and Regional Lymphatics

Question 1

Which of the following statements is true regarding the internal structures of the breast? The breast is made up of:

a. Primarily muscle with very little fibrous tissue.
b. Fibrous, glandular, and adipose tissues.
c. Primarily milk ducts, known as lactiferous ducts.
d. Glandular tissue, which supports the breast by attaching to the chest wall.

Answer 1

b. Fibrous, glandular, and adipose tissues.

Question 2

In performing a breast examination, the nurse knows that examining the upper outer quadrant of the breast is
especially important. The reason for this is that the upper outer quadrant is:

a. The largest quadrant of the breast.
b. The location of most breast tumors.
c. Where most of the suspensory ligaments attach.
d. More prone to injury and calcifications than other locations in the breast.

Answer 2

b. The location of most breast tumors.

Question 3

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

a. Central, axillary, lateral, and sternal
b. Pectoral, lateral, anterior, and sternal
c. Central, lateral, pectoral, and subscapular
d. Lateral, pectoral, axillary, and suprascapular

Answer 3

c. Central, lateral, pectoral, and subscapular

Question 4

If a patient reports a recent breast infection, then the nurse should expect to find ________ node enlargement.

a. Nonspecific
b. Ipsilateral axillary
c. Contralateral axillary
d. Inguinal and cervical

Answer 4

b. Ipsilateral axillary

Question 5

A 9-year-old girl is in the clinic for a sport physical examination. After some initial shyness she finally asks, Am I normal? I dont seem to need a bra yet, but I have some friends who do. What if I never get breasts? The nurses best response would be:

a. Dont worry, you still have plenty of time to develop.
b. I know just how you feel, I was a late bloomer myself. Just be patient, and they will grow.
c. You will probably get your periods before you notice any significant growth in your breasts.
d. I understand that it is hard to feel different from your friends. Breasts usually develop between 8 and 10 years of age.

Answer 5

d. I understand that it is hard to feel different from your friends. Breasts usually develop between 8 and 10 years of age.

Question 6

A patient contacts the office and tells the nurse that she is worried about her 10-year-old daughter having breast cancer. She describes a unilateral enlargement of the right breast with associated tenderness. She is worried because the left breast is not enlarged. What would be the nurses best response? Tell the mother that:

a. Breast development is usually fairly symmetric and that the daughter should be examined right away.
b. She should bring in her daughter right away because breast cancer is fairly common in preadolescent girls.
c. Although an examination of her daughter would rule out a problem, her breast development is most likely normal.
d. It is unusual for breasts that are first developing to feel tender because they havent developed much fibrous tissue.

Answer 6

c. Although an examination of her daughter would rule out a problem, her breast development is most likely normal.

Question 7

A 14-year-old girl is anxious about not having reached menarche. When taking the health history, the nurse should ascertain which of the following? The age that:

a. The girl began to develop breasts.
b. Her mother developed breasts.
c. She began to develop pubic hair.
d. She began to develop axillary hair.

Answer 7

a. The girl began to develop breasts.

Question 8

A woman is in the family planning clinic seeking birth control information. She states that her breasts change all month long and that she is worried that this is unusual. What is the nurses best response? The nurse should tell her that:

a. Continual changes in her breasts are unusual. The breasts of nonpregnant women usually stay pretty much the same all month long.
b. Breast changes in response to stress are very common and that she should assess her life for stressful events.
c. Because of the changing hormones during the monthly menstrual cycle, cyclic breast changes are common.
d. Breast changes normally occur only during pregnancy and that a pregnancy test is needed at this time.

Answer 8

c. Because of the changing hormones during the monthly menstrual cycle, cyclic breast changes are common.

Question 9

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

a. She can expect her areolae to become larger and darker in color.
b. Breasts may begin secreting milk after the fourth month of pregnancy.
c. She should inspect her breasts for visible veins and immediately report these.
d. During pregnancy, breast changes are fairly uncommon; most of the changes occur after the birth.

Answer 9

a. She can expect her areolae to become larger and darker in color.

Question 10

The nurse is teaching a pregnant woman about breast milk. Which statement by the nurse is correct?

a. Your breast milk is immediately present after the delivery of your baby.
b. Breast milk is rich in protein and sugars (lactose) but has very little fat.
c. The colostrum, which is present right after birth, does not contain the same nutrients as breast milk.
d. You may notice a thick, yellow fluid expressed from your breasts as early as the fourth month of pregnancy.

Answer 10

d. You may notice a thick, yellow fluid expressed from your breasts as early as the fourth month of pregnancy.

Question 11

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? After menopause:

a. Only women with large breasts experience sagging.
b. Sagging is usually due to decreased muscle mass within the breast.
c. A diet that is high in protein will help maintain muscle mass, which keeps the breasts from sagging.
d. The glandular and fat tissue atrophies, causing breast size and elasticity to diminish, resulting in breasts that sag.

Answer 11

d. The glandular and fat tissue atrophies, causing breast size and elasticity to diminish, resulting in breasts that sag.

Question 12

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

a. Recommend that he make an appointment with his physician for a mammogram.
b. Ignore it. Benign breast enlargement in men is not unusual.
c. Explain that this condition may be the result of hormonal changes, and recommend that he see his physician.
d. Explain that gynecomastia in men is usually associated with prostate enlargement and recommend that he be thoroughly screened.

Answer 12

c. Explain that this condition may be the result of hormonal changes, and recommend that he see his physician.

Question 13

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?

a. Ask the young girl if her periods have started.
b. Assess the girls weight and body mass index (BMI).
c. Ask the girls mother at what age she started to develop breasts.
d. Nothing; breast budding is a normal finding.

Answer 13

b. Assess the girls weight and body mass index (BMI).

Question 14

The nurse is reviewing statistics regarding breast cancer. Which woman, aged 40 years in the United States, has the highest risk for developing breast cancer?

a. Black
b. White
c. Asian
d. American Indian

Answer 14

a. Black

Question 15

The nurse is preparing for a class in early detection of breast cancer. Which statement is true with regard to breast cancer in black women in the United States?

a. Breast cancer is not a threat to black women.
b. Black women have a lower incidence of regional or distant breast cancer than white women.
c. Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer at any age.
d. Breast cancer incidence in black women is higher than that of white women after age 45.

Answer 15

c. Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer at any age.

Question 16

During a breast health interview, a patient states that she has noticed pain in her left breast. The nurses most appropriate response to this would be:

a. Dont worry about the pain; breast cancer is not painful.
b. I would like some more information about the pain in your left breast.
c. Oh, I had pain like that after my son was born; it turned out to be a blocked milk duct.
d. Breast pain is almost always the result of benign breast disease.

Answer 16

b. I would like some more information about the pain in your left breast.

Question 17

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?

a. Immediately contact the physician to report the discharge.
b. Ask her if she is possibly pregnant.
c. Ask the patient some additional questions about the medications she is taking.
d. Immediately obtain a sample for culture and sensitivity testing.

Answer 17

c. Ask the patient some additional questions about the medications she is taking.

Question 18

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

a. Is the rash raised and red?
b. Does it appear to be cyclic?
c. Where did the rash first appearon 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?

Answer 18

c. Where did the rash first appearon the nipple, the areola, or the surrounding skin?

Question 19

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

a. Makes it hard to examine the breasts.
b. Frequently turns into cancer in a womans later years.
c. Is easily reduced with hormone replacement therapy.
d. Is usually diagnosed before a woman reaches childbearing age.

Answer 19

a. Makes it hard to examine the breasts.

Question 20

During an annual physical examination, a 43-year-old patient states that she does not perform monthly 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:

a. BSEs may detect lumps that appear between mammograms.
b. BSEs are unnecessary until the age of 50 years.
c. She is correctmammography is a good replacement for BSE.
d. She does not need to perform BSEs as long as a physician checks her breasts annually.

Answer 20

a. BSEs may detect lumps that appear between mammograms.

Question 21

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?

a. Breastfed babies tend to be more colicky.
b. Breastfeeding provides the perfect food and antibodies for your baby.
c. Breastfed babies eat more often than infants on formula.
d. Breastfeeding is second nature, and every woman can do it.

Answer 21

b. Breastfeeding provides the perfect food and antibodies for your baby.

Question 22

The nurse is reviewing risk factors for breast cancer. Which of these women have risk factors that place them at a higher risk for breast cancer?

a. 37 year old who is slightly overweight
b. 42 year old who has had ovarian cancer
c. 45 year old who has never been pregnant
d. 65 year old whose mother had breast cancer

Answer 22

d. 65 year old whose mother had breast cancer

Question 23

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?

a. Breasts should always be symmetric.
b. Asymmetry of breast size and shape is probably due to breastfeeding and is nothing to worry about.
c. Asymmetry is not unusual, but the nurse should verify that this change is not new.
d. Asymmetry of breast size and shape is very unusual and means she may have an inflammation or growth.

Answer 23

c. Asymmetry is not unusual, but the nurse should verify that this change is not new.

Question 24

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

a. Woman whose nipples are in different planes (deviated).
b. Woman whose left breast is slightly larger than her right.
c. Nonpregnant woman whose skin is marked with linear striae.
d. Pregnant woman whose breasts have a fine blue network of veins visible under the skin.

Answer 24

a. Woman whose nipples are in different planes (deviated).

Question 25

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

a. Normal nipple inversion is usually bilateral.
b. Unilateral inversion of a nipple is always a serious sign.
c. Whether the inversion is a recent change should be determined.
d. Nipple inversion is not significant unless accompanied by an underlying palpable mass.

Answer 25

c. Whether the inversion is a recent change should be determined.

Question 26

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? Have the woman:

a. Bend over and touch her toes.
b. Lie down on her left side and notice any retraction.
c. Shift from a supine position to a standing position, and note any lag or retraction.
d. Slowly lift her arms above her head, and note any retraction or lag in movement.

Answer 26

d. Slowly lift her arms above her head, and note any retraction or lag in movement.

Question 27

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

a. Supine with the arms raised over her head
b. Sitting with the arms relaxed at her sides
c. Supine with the arms relaxed at her sides
d. Sitting with the arms flexed and fingertips touching her shoulders

Answer 27

a. Supine with the arms raised over her head

Question 28

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

a. A patient has had one pregnancy and states that she believes she may be entering menopause. Her breast examination reveals breasts that are soft and slightly sagging.
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 and 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 of 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.

Answer 28

d. A patient has had two pregnancies, and she breastfed both of 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 29

A patient states during the interview that she noticed a new lump in the shower a few days ago. It was on her left breast near her axilla. The nurse should plan to:

a. Palpate the lump first.
b. Palpate the unaffected breast first.
c. Avoid palpating the lump because it could be a cyst, which might rupture.
d. Palpate the breast with the lump first but plan to palpate the axilla last.

Answer 29

b. Palpate the unaffected breast first.

Question 30

The nurse has palpated a lump in a female patients right breast. The nurse documents this as a small, round, firm, distinct, lump located at 2 oclock, 2 cm from the nipple. It is nontender and fixed. No associated retraction of the skin or nipple, no erythema, and no axillary lymphadenopathy are observed. What information is missing from the documentation?

a. Shape of the lump
b. Consistency of the lump
c. Size of the lump
d. Whether the lump is solitary or multiple

Answer 30

c. Size of the lump

Question 31

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

a. The best time to perform BSE is in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
b. The woman needs to perform BSE only bimonthly unless she has fibrocystic breast tissue.
c. The best time to perform a BSE is 4 to 7 days after the first day of the menstrual period.
d. If she suspects that she is pregnant, then the woman should not perform a BSE until her baby is born.

Answer 31

c. The best time to perform a BSE is 4 to 7 days after the first day of the menstrual period.

Question 32

The nurse is preparing to teach a woman about BSE. Which statement by the nurse is correct?

a. BSE is more important than ever for you because you have never had any children.
b. BSE is so important because one out of nine women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
c. BSE on a monthly basis will help you become familiar with your own breasts and feel their normal variations.
d. BSE will save your life because you are likely to find a cancerous lump between mammograms.

Answer 32

c. BSE on a monthly basis will help you become familiar with your own breasts and feel their normal variations.

Question 33

A 55-year-old postmenopausal woman is being seen in the clinic for her annual examination. She is concerned about changes in her breasts that she has noticed over the past 5 years. She states that her breasts have decreased in size and that the elasticity has changed so that her breasts seem flat and flabby. The nurses best reply would be:

a. This change occurs most often because of long-term use of bras that do not provide enough support to the breast tissues.
b. This is a normal change that occurs as women get older and is due to the increased levels of progesterone during the aging process.
c. Decreases in hormones after menopause causes atrophy of the glandular tissue in the breast and is a normal process of aging.
d. Postural changes in the spine make it appear that your breasts have changed in shape. Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the upper back and chest wall will help prevent the changes in elasticity and size.

Answer 33

c. Decreases in hormones after menopause causes atrophy of the glandular tissue in the breast and is a normal process of aging.

Question 34

A 43-year-old woman is at the clinic for a routine examination. She reports that she has had a breast 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 examination validates the presence of a mass in the right upper outer quadrant at 1 oclock, approximately 5 cm from the nipple. It is firm, mobile, and nontender, with borders that are not well defined. The nurse replies:

a. Because of the change in consistency of the lump, it should be further evaluated by a physician.
b. The changes could be related to your menstrual cycles. Keep track of the changes in the mass each month.
c. The lump is probably nothing to worry about because it has been present for years and was determined to be noncancerous 5 years ago.
d. Because you are experiencing no pain and the size has not changed, you should continue to monitor the lump and return to the clinic in 3 months.

Answer 34

a. Because of the change in consistency of the lump, it should be further evaluated by a physician.

Question 35

During a discussion about BSEs with a 30-year-old woman, which of these statements by the nurse is most appropriate?

a. The best time to examine your breasts is during ovulation.
b. Examine your breasts every month on the same day of the month.
c. Examine your breasts shortly after your menstrual period each month.
d. The best time to examine your breasts is immediately before menstruation.

Answer 35

c. Examine your breasts shortly after your menstrual period each month.

Question 36

The nurse is discussing BSEs with a postmenopausal woman. The best time for postmenopausal women to perform BSEs is:

a. On the same day every month.
b. Daily, during the shower or bath.
c. One week after her menstrual period.
d. Every year with her annual gynecologic examination.

Answer 36

a. On the same day every month.

Question 37

While inspecting a patients breasts, the nurse finds that the left breast is slightly larger than the right with the bilateral presence of Montgomery glands. The nurse should:

a. Palpate over the Montgomery glands, checking for drainage.
b. Consider these findings as normal, and proceed with the examination.
c. Ask extensive health history questions regarding the womans breast asymmetry.
d. Continue with the examination, and then refer the patient for further evaluation of the Montgomery glands.

Answer 37

b. Consider these findings as normal, and proceed with the examination.

Question 38

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

a. Dimpling.
b. Retraction.
c. Peau dorange.
d. Benign breast disease.

Answer 38

c. Peau dorange.

Question 39

When a breastfeeding mother is diagnosed with a breast abscess, which of these instructions from the nurse is correct? The mother needs to:

a. Continue to nurse on both sides to encourage milk flow.
b. Immediately discontinue nursing to allow for healing.
c. Temporarily discontinue nursing on the affected breast, and manually express milk and discard it.
d. Temporarily discontinue nursing on affected breast, but manually express milk and give it to the baby.

Answer 39

c. Temporarily discontinue nursing on the affected breast, and manually express milk and discard it.

Question 40

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 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?

a. Mastitis
b. Paget disease
c. Plugged milk duct
d. Mammary duct ectasia

Answer 40

a. Mastitis

Question 41

During a breast examination on a female patient, the nurse notices that the nipple is flat, broad, and fixed. The patient states it started doing that a few months ago. This finding suggests:

a. Dimpling.
b. Retracted nipple.
c. Nipple inversion.
d. Deviation in nipple pointing.

Answer 41

b. Retracted nipple.

Question 42

A 54-year-old man comes to the clinic with a horrible problem. He tells the nurse that he has just discovered a lump on his breast and is fearful of cancer. The nurse knows which statement about breast cancer in men is true?

a. Breast masses in men are difficult to detect because of minimal breast tissue.
b. Breast cancer in men rarely spreads to the lymph nodes.
c. One percent of all breast cancers occurs in men.
d. Most breast masses in men are diagnosed as gynecomastia.

Answer 42

c. One percent of all breast cancers occurs in men.

Question 43

The nurse is assessing the breasts of a 68-year-old woman and discovers a mass in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. When assessing this mass, the nurse is aware that characteristics of a cancerous mass include which of the following? Select all that apply.

a. Nontender mass
b. Dull, heavy pain on palpation
c. Rubbery texture and mobile
d. Hard, dense, and immobile
e. Regular border
f. Irregular, poorly delineated border

Answer 43

a. Nontender mass
d. Hard, dense, and immobile
f. Irregular, poorly delineated border

Question 44

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.

a. Malnutrition
b. Hyperthyroidism
c. Type 2 diabetes mellitus
d. Liver disease
e. History of alcohol abuse

Answer 44

b. Hyperthyroidism
d. Liver disease
e. History of alcohol abuse