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
During a recent visit to the clinic a woman presents with erythema of the nipple and areola on the right breast. She states this started several weeks ago and she was fearful of what would be found. The nurse should promptly refer the patient to her primary care provider because the patients signs and symptoms are suggestive of what health problem?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erythema of the nipple and areola is a hallmark of Paget's disease, a rare form of breast cancer affecting the nipple. Peau d'orange is associated with lymphatic obstruction in advanced breast cancer, nipple inversion suggests malignancy if recent, and acute mastitis is typically linked to lactation, which is not indicated here.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who came to the clinic after finding a mass in her breast is scheduled for a diagnostic breast biopsy. During the nurses admission assessment, the nurse observes that the patient is distracted and tense. What is it important for the nurse to do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acknowledging the patient's fear validates her emotions and opens communication, which is crucial during the diagnostic phase of a potential breast cancer diagnosis. Referring to support groups or assessing stress management is premature, and diagnosing ineffective coping assumes a problem not yet confirmed.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.