In performing a breast examination, the nurse knows that examining the upper outer quadrant of the breast is especially important.
The reason for this is that the upper quadrant is:
More prone to injury and calcifications than other locations in the breast.
Where most of the suspensory ligaments attach.
The largest quadrant of the breast.
The location of most breast tumors.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While the upper outer quadrant can be prone to injury and calcifications, this is not the primary reason for its importance in breast examinations. Calcifications can occur in various parts of the breast and are often detected through mammography rather than physical examination.
Choice B rationale
Suspensory ligaments, also known as Cooper's ligaments, provide structural support to the breast. They attach to the skin and the underlying pectoral fascia. However, these ligaments are distributed throughout the breast and are not confined to the upper outer quadrant.
Choice C rationale
The upper outer quadrant is not the largest quadrant of the breast. All quadrants have relatively similar sizes. Therefore, the size of the quadrant is not the reason for its importance in breast examinations.
Choice D rationale
The upper outer quadrant of the breast is the most common location for breast tumors. This is because a significant portion of the breast tissue, including the axillary tail (an extension of breast tissue into the armpit), is located in this quadrant. Therefore, careful examination of this area is crucial for early detection of breast cancer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
"C" in the ABCDE criteria for assessing skin lesions stands for Color. This criterion refers to the variations in the color of the lesion, which could include shades of black, brown, tan, or even white, red, or blue. Uneven or multiple colors within a single lesion can be a warning sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Regularly checking the color of moles or spots on the skin is crucial for early detection of potential malignancies.
Choice B rationale
Characteristics are not part of the ABCDE criteria. The ABCDE criteria specifically stand for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. These criteria are used by healthcare professionals to identify suspicious skin lesions that may need further evaluation or biopsy to rule out skin cancer. Focusing on these specific aspects helps in early detection and treatment of malignant skin conditions.
Choice C rationale
Crepitus is a term used to describe a crackling or grating sound or sensation, typically associated with bones or joints, and is not related to skin lesion assessment. Crepitus can be felt or heard in conditions such as arthritis, where the cartilage in the joints has worn away, causing bones to rub against each other. It is unrelated to the ABCDE criteria for skin lesions.
Choice D rationale
Coping methods are strategies used by individuals to manage stress, emotions, or adverse situations and have no relevance to the ABCDE criteria for skin lesions. Coping methods can include techniques like exercise, meditation, or talking to a therapist, but they do not pertain to the physical examination of skin lesions for signs of cancer.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pallor refers to the pale appearance of the skin due to decreased blood flow or decreased hemoglobin levels. It is often seen in conditions such as anemia, where there is a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to a lack of the red-pink tones normally present in healthy skin.
Choice B rationale
Cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. It is often seen in respiratory or cardiovascular conditions where there is a decrease in oxygen levels. Cyanosis does not describe the absence of red-pink tones from decreased hemoglobin.
Choice C rationale
Jaundice refers to a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. It is often seen in liver conditions or hemolysis. Jaundice is not related to decreased hemoglobin levels or the absence of red-pink tones in the skin.
Choice D rationale
Erythema refers to redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to the capillaries in the dermis. It is often associated with inflammation, infection, or skin irritation. Erythema indicates increased blood flow, not decreased hemoglobin levels.
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