ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 58 : Assessment and Management of Patients with Breast Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has been referred to the breast clinic after her most recent mammogram revealed the presence of a lump. The lump is found to be a small, well-defined nodule in the right breast. The oncology nurse should recognize the likelihood of what treatment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A small, well-defined nodule suggests early-stage breast cancer, for which lumpectomy followed by radiation is a common treatment to preserve the breast while effectively treating the cancer. Mastectomy or chemotherapy may be considered for more advanced or aggressive disease, which is not indicated here.
Question 2 of 5
A 23-year-old woman comes to the free clinic stating I think I have a lump in my breast. Do I have cancer? The nurse instructs the patient that a diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed by what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fine-needle aspiration or biopsy provides histologic confirmation of breast cancer, making it the definitive diagnostic method. Breast self-examination and mammography are screening tools, not diagnostic, and chest x-rays are used for metastasis evaluation, not primary diagnosis.
Question 3 of 5
A 42 year-old patient tells the nurse that she has found a painless lump in her right breast during her monthly self-examination. She says that she is afraid that she has cancer. Which assessment finding would most strongly suggest that this patients lump is cancerous?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Breast cancer typically presents as a hard, nonmobile mass with irregular edges, as these characteristics suggest malignancy. A soft, mobile mass is more likely benign, like a cyst. Eversion of the nipple is not typical, and nonpalpable lymph nodes do not rule out cancer.
Question 4 of 5
A patient in her 30 s has two young children and has just had a modified radical mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The patient shares with the nurse that she is somewhat worried about her future, but she appears to be adjusting well to her diagnosis and surgery. What nursing intervention is most appropriate to support this patients coping?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Referring the patient to a community-based support program connects her with others who have similar experiences, supporting her coping without assuming distress. Encouraging spousal support or optimism may be inappropriate, and treatment decisions are physician-led.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has just had a radical mastectomy and axillary node dissection. When providing patient education regarding rehabilitation, what should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Post-axillary dissection, patients should avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 to 10 pounds to prevent lymphedema or injury. Arm exercises are encouraged, cuticles should not be cut to avoid infection, and slings are unnecessary.