During an examination of a woman, the nurse notices that her left breast is slightly larger than her right breast.
Which of these statements is true about this finding?
Asymmetry of breast size and shape is very unusual and means she may have an inflammation or growth.
Asymmetry of the breasts is common, but the nurse should verify that this finding is not new.
Asymmetry of the breast is unusual, and the patient should be referred to a physician.
Asymmetry of breast size and shape is probably due to breastfeeding and is nothing to worry about.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While a sudden and significant asymmetry in breast size or shape could indicate a new issue such as inflammation or a growth and warrants investigation, a slight, long-standing asymmetry is quite common among women. It does not automatically signify a pathological condition.
Choice B rationale
It is a well-established fact that many women have some degree of natural asymmetry in their breast size and shape. However, it is crucial for the nurse to ascertain if this finding is new for the patient. A recent change in asymmetry could be a sign of a developing condition that requires further evaluation.
Choice C rationale
While any new or significant asymmetry should be evaluated by a physician to rule out underlying issues, a long-standing, slight asymmetry is a common physiological variation and does not necessarily require immediate referral unless other concerning signs or symptoms are present.
Choice D rationale
Breastfeeding can sometimes cause temporary changes in breast size due to milk production and engorgement, and one breast might produce slightly more milk than the other. However, a noticeable and persistent asymmetry might predate breastfeeding or persist beyond it, and while it might be benign, attributing it solely to breastfeeding without further assessment of its history is not prudent. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hyperresonance is a booming sound elicited during percussion, typically heard over hyperinflated lung tissue, such as in emphysema or pneumothorax. In the abdominal assessment, hyperresonance is generally not an expected finding and may indicate gaseous distension.
Choice B rationale
Flatness is a dull, very soft sound with a short duration, usually heard over dense tissues such as bone or muscle. In the abdomen, flatness is not a typical percussion sound and might be elicited over a large tumor or organomegaly.
Choice C rationale
Dullness is a thud-like sound with a medium intensity and duration, typically heard over solid organs such as the liver, spleen, or a distended bladder. In the abdominal assessment, dullness is an expected finding over these organs.
Choice D rationale
Resonance is a hollow sound of moderate duration and low pitch, typically heard over normal lung tissue. Resonance is not an expected percussion sound in the abdominal assessment; tympany and dullness are the predominant sounds.
Choice E rationale
Tympany is a drum-like sound with high pitch and longer duration, commonly heard over air-filled structures such as the stomach and intestines. Tympany is the predominant percussion sound expected over most of the abdomen due to the presence of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
After menopause, the ovaries significantly reduce estrogen and progesterone production. These hormones play a crucial role in maintaining the size and elasticity of breast tissue, including the glandular and fat components. With decreased hormonal support, these tissues atrophy, leading to a reduction in breast volume and a loss of skin elasticity, consequently causing the breasts to sag.
Choice B rationale
While adequate protein intake is essential for overall muscle health, including the pectoral muscles that lie beneath the breasts, it does not directly prevent the atrophy of glandular and fat tissue within the breasts that occurs due to hormonal changes after menopause. Therefore, a high-protein diet alone will not counteract breast sagging caused by these physiological changes.
Choice C rationale
The breasts themselves do not contain significant amounts of muscle tissue. The support for the breasts comes primarily from Cooper's ligaments, which are connective tissues, and the skin's elasticity. Sagging is mainly attributed to the weakening of these supportive structures and the atrophy of glandular and fat tissue after menopause, not a decrease in muscle mass within the breast.
Choice D rationale
Breast sagging after menopause is a common physiological change experienced by many women, regardless of their breast size. While larger breasts may appear to sag more noticeably due to their weight, the underlying cause is hormonal changes affecting tissue elasticity and volume, which occurs in women with all breast sizes.
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