A nurse examines a client's auditory canal and tympanic membrane with an otoscope. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is considered an abnormal finding?

A) The best time to perform BSE is immediately prior to the menstrual cycle:
Performing a breast self-examination (BSE) immediately prior to the menstrual cycle is not ideal because hormonal changes leading up to menstruation can cause the breasts to become swollen, tender, and lumpy. These changes could make it difficult to detect subtle lumps or changes in the breast tissue. For the most accurate assessment, it's recommended that women avoid performing BSE during the premenstrual phase when the breast tissue is most likely to be affected by hormonal fluctuations.

B) If pregnancy is suspected, BSE should not be performed until post-delivery:
This statement is incorrect. There is no contraindication to performing a breast self-examination during pregnancy, and it is important for pregnant women to continue self-monitoring for any changes in breast tissue. In fact, BSE should be performed regularly during pregnancy, as the breast tissue can undergo changes due to hormonal shifts, and early detection of any abnormalities is key to successful management.

C) The best time to perform BSE is 4 to 7 days after the first day of the menstrual period:
This is the correct recommendation. The best time to perform a BSE is 4 to 7 days after the first day of the menstrual period because the breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender during this time. Hormonal levels are more stable at this point in the menstrual cycle, and any lumps or changes in the tissue are more likely to be noticeable. Performing BSE during this time increases the likelihood of detecting potential abnormalities.

D) The woman with diagnosed fibrocystic breast tissue should not rely on BSE:
While it is true that women with fibrocystic breast changes may experience lumpy, tender tissue, they should still perform BSE regularly. Fibrocystic tissue can sometimes make it more difficult to distinguish between normal and abnormal changes, but BSE remains an important tool for detecting significant changes, such as new lumps or changes in size, shape, or consistency. Women with fibrocystic breast tissue should be taught to perform BSE regularly and to report any unusual changes to their healthcare provider. Relying solely on BSE for breast cancer detection is not recommended, but it is an essential part of breast health awareness.

A) Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest during normal breathing:
While inspecting the shape and configuration of the chest can provide important information about potential deformities or abnormalities (such as a barrel chest or scoliosis), it does not directly assess the symmetry of chest expansion. Inspection primarily focuses on the external appearance rather than the physiological movement of the chest wall during respiration. Symmetry of chest expansion requires more than visual observation; it involves assessing the movement of the chest during inhalation and exhalation.

B) Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10:
This technique is the most effective for confirming symmetric expansion of the chest. The nurse places their hands on the patient's back, with the thumbs positioned at the level of T9 or T10, and asks the patient to take a deep breath. As the patient inhales, the nurse assesses the expansion of both sides of the chest by observing whether the thumbs move apart symmetrically. This test directly evaluates the expansion of the lungs and chest wall during respiration and is the most accurate way to assess symmetry.

C) Percussion of the posterior chest to initiate vibration of the lung structures:
Percussion is a technique used to assess the underlying lung tissue and the presence of conditions like pneumonia, fluid accumulation, or air trapping. It does not directly assess the symmetry of chest expansion. While percussion may provide valuable diagnostic information about the lungs, it does not help in determining how evenly the chest is expanding during normal breathing.

D) Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety-nine":
This technique refers to vocal fremitus, where the nurse places their hands on the client's chest while the client repeats "ninety-nine." It helps assess the transmission of sound vibrations through the chest wall, which can be used to detect areas of consolidation or fluid in the lungs. However, it does not directly evaluate the symmetry of chest expansion. The vibration felt on both sides of the chest may be different in cases of lung disease, but this test does not assess the movement of the chest during breathing.