Which of the following tools or techniques should you plan to use during a breast assessment?

Choice A reason: Pain rating is considered a subjective vital sign, assessed via patient self-reporting, often on a 0-10 scale. It reflects neurological and emotional status, guiding pain management. Including it as a vital sign is a valid clinical practice, making this choice a correct use.

Choice B reason: In less stable clients, vital signs should be checked more frequently than once daily, often every few hours, to monitor deteriorating conditions like sepsis or shock. This statement inaccurately suggests infrequent monitoring, which is not a standard use of vital signs, making it the correct answer.

Choice C reason: Vital signs assess circulatory (blood pressure, pulse), respiratory (respirations, pulse oximetry), neurological (via pulse and responsiveness), and endocrine (temperature) systems. They provide critical data on physiological function, making this a valid use of vital signs in comprehensive health assessments.

Choice D reason: Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry, which measure thermoregulation, cardiovascular, and respiratory status. This is a standard definition in clinical practice, accurately reflecting the components of vital sign assessment, making it a correct use.

Choice A reason: Smoking history is relevant for vascular or lung issues but not directly for unilateral arm edema, which suggests localized causes like lymphedema. Breast surgery history is more pertinent. Assuming smoking is key risks missing lymphatic causes, delaying diagnosis and management of edema in affected patients.

Choice B reason: Left arm edema may indicate lymphedema from breast surgery, like mastectomy, which disrupts lymphatic drainage. Asking about surgery history is critical to identify causes, guiding interventions like compression therapy. This targeted question ensures accurate diagnosis, preventing complications like chronic swelling or infection in patients with post-surgical edema.

Choice C reason: Recent weight gain may cause generalized edema but is less likely for unilateral arm edema, which points to localized issues like post-surgical lymphedema. Assuming weight gain is key risks overlooking specific causes, delaying targeted treatments critical for managing localized edema and improving patient comfort and function.

Choice D reason: Extra nipples (supernumerary nipples) are anatomical variants, unrelated to arm edema, which likely stems from lymphatic or vascular issues. Assuming this is relevant misdirects assessment, risking neglect of surgical history, critical for diagnosing lymphedema and implementing appropriate interventions like lymphatic drainage or compression.