NUR2513 Exam 1 Study Guide

Women’s health encompasses breast care, GYN exams, and assessments. Be comfortable with the parameters of education for a. Breast educationb. Fluctuating hormone levels during the monthly cycle cause changes in breast tissue. i. Following menstruation, when hormone levels are at their lowest, the breast tissue is smooth and nontender. ii. As estrogen levels increase mid-cycle, breasts may become more sensitive. Also, just before menstruation, when progesterone is elevated, the breasts become swollen and tender, with palpable nodules. c. The area between the breasts has several oil and sweat glands, creating an atmosphere conducive to the growth of bacteria. d. Pregnancy darkens the color of the nipple, which is an enhancement for the breastfeeding baby. This darker color does not disappear after pregnancy. e. Mammography (mammogram) - is an MRI of the breast tissue used to detect abnormalities (tumors and cysts). i. Routine mammograms should be performed every 2 years for women ages 50-74 ii. Some gynecologists recommend mammograms begin a yearly mammogram screening at age 40. Self-breast examsiii. Should be performed every 1-3 years for age 20-29 and every year for women over 40. iv. Technique: Breast Self-Examination (ACS, 2011d) pg lxix 1) Lie down on your back and place your right arm behind your head. Remember, this step is done while lying down. In this position, the breast tissue spreads evenly over your chest wall and is as thin as possible. This makes it much easier to feel all of the breast tissue. 2) Use the pads of your three middle fingers on the left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Use overlapping dime-sized circular motions of the finger pads to feel all of the breast tissue. 3) When feeling the breast tissue, you will use three different levels of pressure. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue closest to the skin. Medium pressure allows you to feel a little deeper, and firm pressure allows you to feel the tissue closest to your chest and ribs. o Remember, it is normal to feel a firm