Complete Solutions
-breast develops along the ridge over the thorax,
and the rest of the ridge usually atrophies
-occasionally a supernumerary nipple persists and
is visible somewhere along the track of the
mammary ridge Correct Answers embryonic
development
-can be abbreviated, but do not omit
-inspect chest wall: noting skin surface and any
lumps or swelling
-palpate nipple area for any lump or tissue
enlargement: it should feel even, with no nodules
-palpate axillary lymph nodes Correct Answers
objective data: male breast exam
-can perform in shower (soap and water assist
palpation) or lying supine
-do in front of mirror
-establish regular schedule of self-care
~BEST TIME: right after menstrual period, when
breasts are smallest and least congested
-pregnant/menopausal women w/o periods: advise
to select a familiar date to examine breasts each
month (bday or day rent is due)
-will familiarize women with her breasts and normal
variation; emphasize absence of lumps (not
presence)
,-encourage to report any unusual findings promptly
Correct Answers self-breast exam (SBE)
-changes begin during 2nd month and are an early
sign of pregnancy for most women
-ductal system expands and breasts enlarge - feel
more nodular
-areolae becomes larger, darker in color as
pregnancy progresses
-venous pattern more prominent
-colostrum (contains protein and lactose, no fat)
produced by 4th month - high in antibodies that
protect newborn Correct Answers developmental
differences: pregnancy
-estrogen hormones stimulate breast changes
-breasts enlarge, mostly as a result of extensive fat
deposition - occurrence varies with ethnicity
-duct system grows and branches
-masses of small, solid cells develop at the duct
endings - potential alveoli Correct Answers
developmental differences; adolescent: puberty
-main lymphatic drainage
-receives lymph from other 3 nodes
-drainage then flows up to the infraclavicular and
supraclavicular nodes Correct Answers central
axillary nodes
, -may have problems with arthritis, limited ROM, or
decreased vision that inhibit self-care
-suggest aids to self-exam (talcum powder helps
fingers glide over skin) Correct Answers objective
data: aging adult female
-nipples may be retracted but can be pulled
outward
-breasts feel more granular on palpation; terminal
ducts around nipple feel more prominent and
stringy
-thickening of inframammary ridge at lower breast
is normal, and feels more prominent with age
-glandular and fat tissue atrophies, causing a
decrease in breast size and elasticity, causing
breasts to droop and sag, looking flat, flabby
-drooping accenuated with kyphosis
-reinforce value of BSE
-women over 50 have increase risk of breast
cancer Correct Answers developmental
differences: aging adult female
-only breast structures present are the lactiferous
ducts within the nipple
-no alveoli have developed
-little change occurs until puberty Correct Answers
birth
-rudimentary structure