A nurse is discussing the blood flow pattern of the heart. The nurse should recognize which of the following as the accurate blood flow pattern of the heart?

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) The eye focuses the image in the center of the pupil:
This option describes the accommodation reflex, not the pupillary light reflex. The accommodation reflex involves the focusing of the eye to bring an image to the center of the retina, but it does not relate to the constriction of the pupils in response to light. Therefore, it is not the correct answer for describing the pupillary light reflex.

B) Constriction of both pupils occurs in response to bright light:
This is the correct description of the pupillary light reflex. When light is shined into one eye, the normal response is for both pupils (direct and consensual response) to constrict. The pupillary light reflex tests the integrity of the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) and the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III), which control the constriction of the pupil in response to light. A normal pupillary light reflex is characterized by the constriction of both pupils when exposed to light.

C) The eye focuses the light on the sclera:
This statement is inaccurate. The sclera is the white part of the eye, and light is focused on the retina (specifically the fovea) for proper vision. This does not relate to the pupillary light reflex, which specifically refers to the constriction of the pupils in response to light.

D) Dilation of both pupils occurs in response to bright light:
This is incorrect. Dilation of the pupils occurs in low light conditions as part of the pupillary dilation reflex (also called the "dark reflex") to allow more light into the eye. However, in response to bright light, the pupils constrict, not dilate. The constriction of the pupils in bright light is the primary characteristic of a normal pupillary light reflex.