A 45-year-old woman comes into the health clinic for her annual check-up. She mentions to the nurse that she has noticed dimpling of the right breast that has occurred in a few months. What assessment would be most appropriate for the nurse to make?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Palpating the area for a breast mass is the most appropriate assessment in this scenario as dimpling of the breast can be a sign of underlying breast abnormalities such as a mass or tumor. By palpating the area, the nurse can determine if there is a lump or any other irregularity that may require further investigation. Choice A is incorrect because evaluating the patient's milk production is not relevant to the presenting symptom of breast dimpling. Choice C is incorrect as assessing the patient's knowledge of breast cancer does not address the immediate need for a physical assessment of the breast dimpling. Choice D is incorrect because assuming that the dimpling is just an age-related change without further assessment could delay potential diagnosis and treatment of a serious condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoid lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds. This recommendation is crucial post-mastectomy as it helps prevent lymphedema and promotes healing without causing strain on the surgical site. Lifting heavy objects can lead to complications such as lymphedema or disruption of the healing process. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as avoiding exercise of the arm for 2 months may lead to stiffness and reduced range of motion, keeping cuticles clipped neatly does not directly affect rehabilitation, and using a sling is not necessary unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast tissue. Step 2: The radiation exposure in a mammogram is minimal and considered safe. Step 3: Choice A is correct as it states that mammograms do not use radiation, which is accurate. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect because B wrongly implies that annual mammograms are safe due to low radiation levels, C is incorrect as radiation effects can accumulate over time, and D is incorrect as the amount of radiation in a mammogram is much lower than an hour of sunlight.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased nipple sensation. During breast reduction mammoplasty, nerves responsible for nipple sensation may be disrupted, leading to decreased sensation in the nipple area. This is an important consequence to consider as it can impact the patient's satisfaction and quality of life post-surgery. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Chronic breast pain is a potential risk of surgery but not a consequence directly related to nipple sensation. B: Unclear mammography results may occur due to breast tissue changes from surgery, but it is not a direct consequence of decreased nipple sensation. C: Increased risk of breast cancer is not a common consequence of breast reduction mammoplasty and is not directly related to nipple sensation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide the patient with relevant information about expected recovery. This option addresses the patient's anxiety by providing her with concrete information about what to expect after the procedure. By knowing the expected recovery process, the patient can feel more in control and prepared, which can help alleviate fears. Summary: A: Providing written material on the procedure does not directly address the patient's fears about the upcoming surgery and cancer diagnosis. C: Giving the patient current information on breast cancer survival rates may increase anxiety rather than alleviate it, as it focuses on statistics rather than the individual patient's concerns. D: Offering alternative treatment options may not be appropriate at this stage when the patient is already scheduled for a modified mastectomy. It may add confusion and further anxiety.