A patient states during the interview that she noticed a new lump in the shower a few days ago.
It was on her left breast near her axilla.
How should the nurse proceed?
Palpated the unaffected breast first.
Palpate the breast with the lump first, but plan to palpate the axilla last.
Avoid palpating the lump because it could be a cyst, which might rupture.
Palpate the lump first.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Palpating the unaffected breast first establishes a baseline for what is normal for the patient. This allows the nurse to then compare any findings on the affected breast, where the patient has noted a lump, to the patient's normal breast tissue. This comparative approach aids in identifying any true abnormalities.
Choice B rationale
Palpating the breast with the lump first could introduce anxiety and may make it more difficult to thoroughly assess the unaffected breast due to the patient's potential apprehension. While axillary lymph node assessment is crucial, delaying it slightly after the initial breast examination allows for a more systematic approach.
Choice C rationale
Avoiding palpation of a newly discovered lump is inappropriate nursing practice. A new lump warrants investigation to determine its nature. Palpation is a key component of the physical examination and helps to assess the size, shape, consistency, and mobility of the lump, providing essential information for further evaluation.
Choice D rationale
Palpating the lump first, without establishing a baseline on the unaffected breast, makes it harder to determine if the finding is truly new or abnormal for this specific patient. Comparing findings to the contralateral breast is a standard technique in breast examination to identify deviations from the norm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A,B,C,D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Verifying tube placement is the initial critical step to ensure the feeding is delivered into the gastrointestinal tract and not the respiratory system, thereby preventing aspiration. Methods for verification include pH testing of aspirate (target pH ≤ 5.5), and radiographic confirmation is the gold standard, especially after initial placement.
Choice B rationale
Checking the residual feeding contents before administering a new feeding is essential to assess the client's tolerance to the previous feeding and prevent overfeeding, which can lead to complications like abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and aspiration. A high residual volume may indicate delayed gastric emptying.
Choice C rationale
Administering the feeding follows confirmation of tube placement and assessment of residual volume. The feeding should be administered at the prescribed rate and volume, ensuring the client receives adequate nutrition and hydration. The client should be positioned with the head of the bed elevated at least 30-45 degrees during and for at least 30-60 minutes after feeding to minimize aspiration risk.
Choice D rationale
Evaluating the client's tolerance to the feeding is an ongoing process that involves monitoring for signs and symptoms such as abdominal distension, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or aspiration. This evaluation helps determine if the feeding regimen needs adjustment in terms of rate, volume, or formula.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Trouble chewing foods such as meats and raw vegetables is more indicative of mechanical issues with chewing or dental problems rather than dysphagia, which primarily involves difficulty with swallowing. While chewing difficulties can sometimes coexist with dysphagia, the primary characteristic of dysphagia is impaired bolus transport from the mouth to the stomach.
Choice B rationale
Awakenings with a feeling of indigestion suggest issues related to gastric motility or acid reflux, not necessarily dysphagia. Indigestion involves discomfort in the upper abdomen, often related to the digestion of food in the stomach, whereas dysphagia is focused on the process of swallowing.
Choice C rationale
A feeling of choking after swallowing is a classic symptom of dysphagia. It indicates that food or liquid is not passing smoothly from the pharynx to the esophagus and may be entering the airway. This occurs due to impaired coordination or weakness of the muscles involved in swallowing.
Choice D rationale
Frequent burping, or eructation, is typically related to the release of excess gas from the stomach, often due to swallowed air or the breakdown of food. It is not a primary indicator of dysphagia, which is a disorder of the swallowing mechanism.
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