NU273: Breast and Lymphatics

covers key concepts + terminology from ppt/lecture

Which specific tissue in the breast is responsible for the production of milk?

Glandular tissue

What is the primary function of the breast ducts?

To transport milk from the glandular tissue to the nipple

What determines the overall size and shape of the breast?

Fatty tissue

What are the small bumps located within the areola that protect the skin during breastfeeding?

Montgomery glands

Into which specific group of nodes does most lymph from the breast drain?

Axillary nodes

What is the clinical term for severe breast pain?

Mastalgia

True or False: Acute, severe mastalgia is a red flag that requires urgent medical attention

True

What is the recommended patient arm position for the initial inspection of the breast skin and color?

Relaxed with arms at the sides

Why should a nurse ask a patient with larger breasts to life the breast tissue during an inspection?

To inspect the underside for irritation or inflammation caused by friction

What breast skin finding is characterized by a thickened, rough appearance resembling an orange peel?

Peau d’'orange

Peau d’orange is an unexpected finding often associated with which two conditions?

Breast cancer or edema

During inspection, what does the presence of unilateral dilated veins suggest?

A concerning finding potentially associated with malignancy

Which two patient populations might normally show visible veins on the breast skin?

Obese or pregnant clients

What do significant differences in breast contour or dimpling during movement suggest?

The presence of a mass or malignancy

Nipple inversion is considered a normal finding only if it has been present since _____

Puberty

What recent changes to the nipple or areola are considered early signs of cancer or infection?

Recent nipple inversion, discharge, scaling, or altered alignment

Which condition, often following a mastectomy, presents as swelling in one limb?

Lymphedema

What are the two common systematic methods used for breast palpation?

Vertical strip method or concentric circles (circular pattern)

Which specific area of the breast, located near the armpit, is a common site for breast cancer findings?

The Tail of Spence

What part of the hand should a nurse use to perform breast palpation?

The pads of the fingers

When palpating axillary lymph nodes, what findings typically indicate infection or malignancy?

Enlargement, tenderness, or fixed (non-mobile) consistency

If a patient has nipple discharge, what three details should the nurse assess?

1. When it started

2. Whether it is unilateral or bilateral

3. The appearance/color of the fluid

How often should patients be educated to perform a breast self-exam (BSE)?

Monthly

What is the ideal timing for a menstruating woman to perform a breast self-exam?

4-7 days after the start of the menstrual cycle (when breasts are least tender)

During a self-exam, why is the patient instruccted to place their hands on their hips?

To tighten the chest muscles, which makes dimpling or contour changes easier to see

What are the mammogram screening guidelines for a low-risk patient aged 50-74?

Every 2 yearsA

According to the clock face method of documentation, what two pieces of information are needed to locate a lump?

The clock position (e.g.,3:00) and the distance from the nipple (e.g.,2cm)

Besides the clock face method, what is the other common way to divide the breast for documentation?

Quadrants (Upper Outer, Upper Inner, Lower Outer, Lower Inner)

What is the term for enlarged breast tissue in males?

Gynecomastia

What are the three common causes of gynecomastia in males?

Weight, medications, or hormonal changes

When documenting a palpable mass, what four characteristics must be included?

1. Size

2. Shape

3. Texture

4. Mobility (Fixed or Mobile)

What are the three primary physiological functions of the lymphatic system?

1. Detection and removal of microorganisms (immunity)

2. Absorption of lipids from the small intestine

3. Reabsorbing fluid from interstitial tissues

What hormonal change can lead to flattened, pendulous breasts in older women?

Menopause

What are the two common imaging studies used to follow up on an unexpected breast finding?

Mammogram and Ultrasound

Which anatomical feature contains glands that secrete protective oils during breastfeeding?

The areola

True or False: Slight variation in breast size between the left and right side is considered a normal finding

True

What subjective data should a nurse collect if a patient mentions breast pain?

Timing, duration, and factors that make it better or worse

What lifestyle recommendations should be provided to reduce the risk of breast cancer?

Maintain a balanced diet (healthy weight), stay active/exercise, and limit alcohol consumption

What is the significance of the axillary nodes in relation to breast health?

They filter harmful substances from breast lymph; changes here often indicate breast infection or cancer

In nursing assessment, what is the importance of asking open-ended questions?

They allow the patient to provide the most information and detail about their concerns

Which finding is more concerning during inspection: bilateral visible veins or unilateral dilated veins?

Unilateral dilated veins (suggests a localized issue like a mass)

Expected findings for the axilla skin include: smooth, intact, and free of _____, _____, or _______

Discoloration; edema; rash

Scaling or dryness of the areola and nipple can be a sign of ______

Infection or cancer (e.g., Paget’s disease)

Why is it critical to determine if a breast mass is “fixed” or “mobile”?

Fixed masses are more likely to be malignant, while mobile masses may be benign cysts or fibroadenomas

When should high-risk patients begin mammogram screenings?

Earlier and more frequently than standard guidelines, as recommended by their provider

What is the mandatory first step before a nurse begins the physical palpation of the breasts?

Obtain permission from the patient to touch them

True or False: Males should be educated to perform breast self-exams because they are also susceptible to breast cancer

True

The nurse notes the client is sobbing and worried about surgery costs. This highlights the need for what kind of nursing support?

Psychosocial support and addressing barriers to care (e.g., lack of insurance)