Q&A Hero

Q: A 25-year-old woman in her fifth month of pregnancy has a blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg. In reviewing her previous examination, the nurse notes that her blood pressure in her second month was 124/80 mm Hg. In evaluating this change, what does the nurse know to be true? a. This decline in blood pressure is the result of peripheral vasodilatation and is an expected change. b. Because of increased cardiac output, the blood pressure should be higher at this time. c. This change in blood pressure is not an expected finding because it means a decrease in cardiac output. d. This decline in blood pressure means a decrease in circulating blood volume, which is dangerous for the fetus.

Q: When assessing a newborn infant who is 5 minutes old, the nurse knows which of these statements to be true? a. The left ventricle is larger and weighs more than the right ventricle. b. The circulation of a newborn is identical to that of an adult. c. Blood can flow into the left side of the heart through an opening in the atrial septum. d. The foramen ovale closes just minutes before birth, and the ductus arteriosus closes immediately after.

Q: The findings from an assessment of a 70-year-old patient with swelling in his ankles include jugular venous pulsations 5 cm above the sternal angle when the head of his bed is elevated 45 degrees. The nurse knows that this finding indicates: a. Decreased fluid volume. b. Increased cardiac output. c. Narrowing of jugular veins. d. Elevated pressure related to heart failure.

Q: The electrical stimulus of the cardiac cycle follows which sequence? a. AV node SA node bundle of His b. Bundle of His AV node SA node c. SA node AV node bundle of His bundle branches d. AV node SA node bundle of His bundle branches

Q: The component of the conduction system referred to as the pacemaker of the heart is the: a. Atrioventricular (AV) node. b. Sinoatrial (SA) node. c. Bundle of His. d. Bundle branches.

Q: Which of these statements describes the closure of the valves in a normal cardiac cycle? a. The aortic valve closes slightly before the tricuspid valve. b. The pulmonic valve closes slightly before the aortic valve. c. The tricuspid valve closes slightly later than the mitral valve. d. Both the tricuspid and pulmonic valves close at the same time.

Q: When listening to heart sounds, the nurse knows the valve closures that can be heard best at the base of the heart are: a. Mitral and tricuspid. b. Tricuspid and aortic. c. Aortic and pulmonic. d. Mitral and pulmonic.

Q: The nurse is reviewing the anatomy and physiologic functioning of the heart. Which statement best describes what is meant by atrial kick? a. The atria contract during systole and attempt to push against closed valves. b. Contraction of the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a palpitation. c. Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole. d. The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles.

Q: The direction of blood flow through the heart is best described by which of these? a. Vena cava right atrium right ventricle lungs pulmonary artery left atrium left ventricle b. Right atrium right ventricle pulmonary artery lungs pulmonary vein left atrium left ventricle c. Aorta right atrium right ventricle lungs pulmonary vein left atrium left ventricle vena cava d. Right atrium right ventricle pulmonary vein lungs pulmonary artery left atrium left ventricle

Q: The sac that surrounds and protects the heart is called the: a. Pericardium. b. Myocardium. c. Endocardium. d. Pleural space.

Q: When inspecting the anterior chest of an adult, the nurse should include which assessment? a. Diaphragmatic excursion b. Symmetric chest expansion c. Presence of breath sounds d. Shape and configuration of the chest wall

Q: When assessing the respiratory system of a 4-year-old child, which of these findings would the nurse expect? a. Crepitus palpated at the costochondral junctions b. No diaphragmatic excursion as a result of a child's decreased inspiratory volume c. Presence of bronchovesicular breath sounds in the peripheral lung fields d. Irregular respiratory pattern and a respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute at rest

Q: A mother brings her 3-month-old infant to the clinic for evaluation of a cold. She tells the nurse that he has had "a runny nose for a week." When performing the physical assessment, the nurse notes that the child has nasal flaring and sternal and intercostal retractions. The nurse's next action should be to: a. Assure the mother that these signs are normal symptoms of a cold. b. Recognize that these are serious signs, and contact the physician. c. Ask the mother if the infant has had trouble with feedings. d. Perform a complete cardiac assessment because these signs are probably indicative of early heart failure.

Q: The nurse knows that a normal finding when assessing the respiratory system of an older adult is: a. Increased thoracic expansion. b. Decreased mobility of the thorax. c. Decreased anteroposterior diameter. d. Bronchovesicular breath sounds throughout the lungs.

Q: During auscultation of the lungs, the nurse expects decreased breath sounds to be heard in which situation? a. When the bronchial tree is obstructed b. When adventitious sounds are present c. In conjunction with whispered pectoriloquy d. In conditions of consolidation, such as pneumonia

Q: The nurse is percussing over the lungs of a patient with pneumonia. The nurse knows that percussion over an area of atelectasis in the lungs will reveal: a. Dullness. b. Tympany. c. Resonance. d. Hyperresonance.

Q: The nurse is auscultating the chest in an adult. Which technique is correct? a. Instructing the patient to take deep, rapid breaths b. Instructing the patient to breathe in and out through his or her nose c. Firmly holding the diaphragm of the stethoscope against the chest d. Lightly holding the bell of the stethoscope against the chest to avoid friction

Q: When auscultating the lungs of an adult patient, the nurse notes that low-pitched, soft breath sounds are heard over the posterior lower lobes, with inspiration being longer than expiration. The nurse interprets that these sounds are: a. Normally auscultated over the trachea. b. Bronchial breath sounds and normal in that location. c. Vesicular breath sounds and normal in that location. d. Bronchovesicular breath sounds and normal in that location.

Q: The nurse is observing the auscultation technique of another nurse. The correct method to use when progressing from one auscultatory site on the thorax to another is _______ comparison. a. Side-to-side b. Top-to-bottom c. Posterior-to-anterior d. Interspace-by-interspace

Q: During percussion, the nurse knows that a dull percussion note elicited over a lung lobe most likely results from: a. Shallow breathing. b. Normal lung tissue. c. Decreased adipose tissue. d. Increased density of lung tissue.

Q: The nurse is reviewing the technique of palpating for tactile fremitus with a new graduate. Which statement by the graduate nurse reflects a correct understanding of tactile fremitus? "Tactile fremitus: a. "Is caused by moisture in the alveoli." b. "Indicates that air is present in the subcutaneous tissues." c. "Is caused by sounds generated from the larynx." d. "Reflects the blood flow through the pulmonary arteries."

Q: When assessing tactile fremitus, the nurse recalls that it is normal to feel tactile fremitus most intensely over which location? a. Between the scapulae b. Third intercostal space, MCL c. Fifth intercostal space, midaxillary line (MAL) d. Over the lower lobes, posterior side

Q: A 65-year-old patient with a history of heart failure comes to the clinic with complaints of "being awakened from sleep with shortness of breath." Which action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Obtaining a detailed health history of the patient's allergies and a history of asthma b. Telling the patient to sleep on his or her right side to facilitate ease of respirations c. Assessing for other signs and symptoms of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea d. Assuring the patient that paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is normal and will probably resolve within the next week

Q: The primary muscles of respiration include the: a. Diaphragm and intercostals. b. Sternomastoids and scaleni. c. Trapezii and rectus abdominis. d. External obliques and pectoralis major.

Q: During an assessment, the nurse knows that expected assessment findings in the normal adult lung include the presence of: a. Adventitious sounds and limited chest expansion. b. Increased tactile fremitus and dull percussion tones. c. Muffled voice sounds and symmetric tactile fremitus. d. Absent voice sounds and hyperresonant percussion tones.

Q: During an examination of the anterior thorax, the nurse is aware that the trachea bifurcates anteriorly at the: a. Costal angle. b. Sternal angle. c. Xiphoid process. d. Suprasternal notch.

Q: Which statement about the apices of the lungs is true? The apices of the lungs: a. Are at the level of the second rib anteriorly. b. Extend 3 to 4 cm above the inner third of the clavicles. c. Are located at the sixth rib anteriorly and the eighth rib laterally. d. Rest on the diaphragm at the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line (MCL).

Q: When assessing a patient's lungs, the nurse recalls that the left lung: a. Consists of two lobes. b. Is divided by the horizontal fissure. c. Primarily consists of an upper lobe on the posterior chest. d. Is shorter than the right lung because of the underlying stomach.

Q: When performing a respiratory assessment on a patient, the nurse notices a costal angle of approximately 90 degrees. This characteristic is: a. Observed in patients with kyphosis. b. Indicative of pectus excavatum. c. A normal finding in a healthy adult. d. An expected finding in a patient with a barrel chest.

Q: Which of these statements is true regarding the vertebra prominens? The vertebra prominens is: a. The spinous process of C7. b. Usually nonpalpable in most individuals. c. Opposite the interior border of the scapula. d. Located next to the manubrium of the sternum.

Q: The nurse is assessing voice sounds during a respiratory assessment. Which of these findings indicates a normal assessment? Select all that apply. a. Voice sounds are faint, muffled, and almost inaudible when the patient whispers "one, two, three" in a very soft voice. b. As the patient repeatedly says "ninety-nine," the examiner clearly hears the words "ninety-nine." c. When the patient speaks in a normal voice, the examiner can hear a sound but cannot exactly distinguish what is being said. d. As the patient says a long "ee-ee-ee" sound, the examiner also hears a long "ee-ee-ee" sound. e. As the patient says a long "ee-ee-ee" sound, the examiner hears a long "aaaaaa" sound.

Q: A patient with pleuritis has been admitted to the hospital and complains of pain with breathing. What other key assessment finding would the nurse expect to find upon auscultation? a. Stridor b. Friction rub c. Crackles d. Wheezing

Q: A patient has been admitted to the emergency department for a suspected drug overdose. His respirations are shallow, with an irregular pattern, with a rate of 12 respirations per minute. The nurse interprets this respiration pattern as which of the following? a. Bradypnea b. Cheyne-Stokes respirations c. Hypoventilation d. Chronic obstructive breathing

Q: The nurse is auscultating the lungs of a patient who had been sleeping and notices short, popping, crackling sounds that stop after a few breaths. The nurse recognizes that these breath sounds are: a. Atelectatic crackles that do not have a pathologic cause. b. Fine crackles and may be a sign of pneumonia. c. Vesicular breath sounds. d. Fine wheezes.

Q: During palpation of the anterior chest wall, the nurse notices a coarse, crackling sensation over the skin surface. On the basis of these findings, the nurse suspects: a. Tactile fremitus. b. Crepitus. c. Friction rub. d. Adventitious sounds.

Q: A patient has been admitted to the emergency department with a possible medical diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The nurse expects to see which assessment findings related to this condition? a. Absent or decreased breath sounds b. Productive cough with thin, frothy sputum c. Chest pain that is worse on deep inspiration and dyspnea d. Diffuse infiltrates with areas of dullness upon percussion

Q: During auscultation of breath sounds, the nurse should correctly use the stethoscope in which of the following ways? a. Listening to at least one full respiration in each location b. Listening as the patient inhales and then going to the next site during exhalation c. Instructing the patient to breathe in and out rapidly while listening to the breath sounds d. If the patient is modest, listening to sounds over his or her clothing or hospital gown

Q: During a morning assessment, the nurse notices that the patient's sputum is frothy and pink. Which condition could this finding indicate? a. Croup b. Tuberculosis c. Viral infection d. Pulmonary edema

Q: A patient comes to the clinic complaining of a cough that is worse at night but not as bad during the day. The nurse recognizes that this cough may indicate: a. Pneumonia. b. Postnasal drip or sinusitis. c. Exposure to irritants at work. d. Chronic bronchial irritation from smoking.

Q: A 70-year-old patient is being seen in the clinic for severe exacerbation of his heart failure. Which of these findings is the nurse most likely to observe in this patient? a. Shortness of breath, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and ankle edema b. Rasping cough, thick mucoid sputum, wheezing, and bronchitis c. Productive cough, dyspnea, weight loss, anorexia, and tuberculosis d. Fever, dry nonproductive cough, and diminished breath sounds

Q: A 35-year-old recent immigrant is being seen in the clinic for complaints of a cough that is associated with rust-colored sputum, low-grade afternoon fevers, and night sweats for the past 2 months. The nurse's preliminary analysis, based on this history, is that this patient may be suffering from: a. Bronchitis. b. Pneumonia. c. Tuberculosis. d. Pulmonary edema.

Q: A woman in her 26th week of pregnancy states that she is "not really short of breath" but feels that she is aware of her breathing and the need to breathe. What is the nurse's best reply? a. "The diaphragm becomes fixed during pregnancy, making it difficult to take in a deep breath." b. "The increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy often causes a decrease in the diameter of the rib cage and makes it difficult to breathe." c. "What you are experiencing is normal. Some women may interpret this as shortness of breath, but it is a normal finding and nothing is wrong." d. "This increased awareness of the need to breathe is normal as the fetus grows because of the increased oxygen demand on the mother's body, which results in an increased respiratory rate."

Q: The nurse is assessing the lungs of an older adult. Which of these changes are normal in the respiratory system of the older adult? a. Severe dyspnea is experienced on exertion, resulting from changes in the lungs. b. Respiratory muscle strength increases to compensate for a decreased vital capacity. c. Decrease in small airway closure occurs, leading to problems with atelectasis. d. Lungs are less elastic and distensible, which decreases their ability to collapse and recoil.

Q: An adult patient with a history of allergies comes to the clinic complaining of wheezing and difficulty in breathing when working in his yard. The assessment findings include tachypnea, the use of accessory neck muscles, prolonged expiration, intercostal retractions, decreased breath sounds, and expiratory wheezes. The nurse interprets that these assessment findings are consistent with: a. Asthma. b. Atelectasis. c. Lobar pneumonia. d. Heart failure.

Q: A teenage patient comes to the emergency department with complaints of an inability to breathe and a sharp pain in the left side of his chest. The assessment findings include cyanosis, tachypnea, tracheal deviation to the right, decreased tactile fremitus on the left, hyperresonance on the left, and decreased breath sounds on the left. The nurse interprets that these assessment findings are consistent with: a. Bronchitis. b. Pneumothorax. c. Acute pneumonia. d. Asthmatic attack.

Q: A patient has a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During the assessment, the nurse will most likely observe which of these? a. Unequal chest expansion b. Increased tactile fremitus c. Atrophied neck and trapezius muscles d. Anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter ratio of 1:1

Q: The nurse is listening to the breath sounds of a patient with severe asthma. Air passing through narrowed bronchioles would produce which of these adventitious sounds? a. Wheezes b. Bronchial sounds c. Bronchophony d. Whispered pectoriloquy

Q: The nurse is reviewing the characteristics of breath sounds. Which statement about bronchovesicular breath sounds is true? Bronchovesicular breath sounds are: a. Musical in quality. b. Usually caused by a pathologic disease. c. Expected near the major airways. d. Similar to bronchial sounds except shorter in duration.

Q: During auscultation of the lungs of an adult patient, the nurse notices the presence of bronchophony. The nurse should assess for signs of which condition? a. Airway obstruction b. Emphysema c. Pulmonary consolidation d. Asthma

Q: During an assessment of an adult, the nurse has noted unequal chest expansion and recognizes that this occurs in which situation? a. In an obese patient b. When part of the lung is obstructed or collapsed c. When bulging of the intercostal spaces is present d. When accessory muscles are used to augment respiratory effort

Q: The nurse knows that auscultation of fine crackles would most likely be noticed in: a. A healthy 5-year-old child. b. A pregnant woman. c. The immediate newborn period. d. Association with a pneumothorax.

Q: The nurse is examining a 62-year-old man and notes that he has bilateral gynecomastia. The nurse should explore his health history for which related conditions? Select all that apply. a. Malnutrition b. Hyperthyroidism c. Type 2 diabetes mellitus d. Liver disease e. History of alcohol abuse

Q: The nurse is assessing the breasts of a 68-year-old woman and discovers a mass in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. When assessing this mass, the nurse is aware that characteristics of a cancerous mass include which of the following? Select all that apply. a. Nontender mass b. Dull, heavy pain on palpation c. Rubbery texture and mobile d. Hard, dense, and immobile e. Regular border f. Irregular, poorly delineated border

Q: A 54-year-old man comes to the clinic with a "horrible problem." He tells the nurse that he has just discovered a lump on his breast and is fearful of cancer. The nurse knows which statement about breast cancer in men is true? a. Breast masses in men are difficult to detect because of minimal breast tissue. b. Breast cancer in men rarely spreads to the lymph nodes. c. One percent of all breast cancers occurs in men. d. Most breast masses in men are diagnosed as gynecomastia.

Q: A new mother calls the clinic to report that part of her left breast is red, swollen, tender, very hot, and hard. She has a fever of 38.3oC. She also has had symptoms of influenza, such as chills, sweating, and feeling tired. The nurse notices that she has been breastfeeding for 1 month. From her description, what condition does the nurse suspect? a. Mastitis b. Paget disease c. Plugged milk duct d. Mammary duct ectasia

Q: During a breast examination on a female patient, the nurse notices that the nipple is flat, broad, and fixed. The patient states it "started doing that a few months ago." This finding suggests: a. Dimpling. b. Retracted nipple. c. Nipple inversion. d. Deviation in nipple pointing.

Q: When a breastfeeding mother is diagnosed with a breast abscess, which of these instructions from the nurse is correct? The mother needs to: a. Continue to nurse on both sides to encourage milk flow. b. Immediately discontinue nursing to allow for healing. c. Temporarily discontinue nursing on the affected breast, and manually express milk and discard it. d. Temporarily discontinue nursing on affected breast, but manually express milk and give it to the baby.

Q: While examining a 75-year-old woman, the nurse notices that the skin over her right breast is thickened and the hair follicles are exaggerated. This condition is known as: a. Dimpling. b. Retraction. c. Peau d"orange. d. Benign breast disease.

Q: During an examination, the nurse notes a supernumerary nipple just under the patient's left breast. The patient tells the nurse that she always thought it was a mole. Which statement about this finding is correct? a. This variation is normal and not a significant finding. b. This finding is significant and needs further investigation. c. A supernumerary nipple also contains glandular tissue and may leak milk during pregnancy and lactation. d. The patient is correcta supernumerary nipple is actually a mole that happens to be located under the breast.

Q: While inspecting a patient's breasts, the nurse finds that the left breast is slightly larger than the right with the bilateral presence of Montgomery glands. The nurse should: a. Palpate over the Montgomery glands, checking for drainage. b. Consider these findings as normal, and proceed with the examination. c. Ask extensive health history questions regarding the woman's breast asymmetry. d. Continue with the examination, and then refer the patient for further evaluation of the Montgomery glands.

Q: The nurse is discussing BSEs with a postmenopausal woman. The best time for postmenopausal women to perform BSEs is: a. On the same day every month. b. Daily, during the shower or bath. c. One week after her menstrual period. d. Every year with her annual gynecologic examination.

Q: During a discussion about BSEs with a 30-year-old woman, which of these statements by the nurse is most appropriate? a. "The best time to examine your breasts is during ovulation." b. "Examine your breasts every month on the same day of the month." c. "Examine your breasts shortly after your menstrual period each month." d. "The best time to examine your breasts is immediately before menstruation."

Q: A 43-year-old woman is at the clinic for a routine examination. She reports that she has had a breast lump in her right breast for years. Recently, it has begun to change in consistency and is becoming harder. She reports that 5 years ago her physician evaluated the lump and determined that it "was nothing to worry about." The examination validates the presence of a mass in the right upper outer quadrant at 1 o"clock, approximately 5 cm from the nipple. It is firm, mobile, and nontender, with borders that are not well defined. The nurse replies: a. "Because of the change in consistency of the lump, it should be further evaluated by a physician." b. "The changes could be related to your menstrual cycles. Keep track of the changes in the mass each month." c. "The lump is probably nothing to worry about because it has been present for years and was determined to be noncancerous 5 years ago." d. "Because you are experiencing no pain and the size has not changed, you should continue to monitor the lump and return to the clinic in 3 months."

Q: A 55-year-old postmenopausal woman is being seen in the clinic for her annual examination. She is concerned about changes in her breasts that she has noticed over the past 5 years. She states that her breasts have decreased in size and that the elasticity has changed so that her breasts seem "flat and flabby." The nurse's best reply would be: a. "This change occurs most often because of long-term use of bras that do not provide enough support to the breast tissues." b. "This is a normal change that occurs as women get older and is due to the increased levels of progesterone during the aging process." c. "Decreases in hormones after menopause causes atrophy of the glandular tissue in the breast and is a normal process of aging." d. "Postural changes in the spine make it appear that your breasts have changed in shape. Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the upper back and chest wall will help prevent the changes in elasticity and size."

Q: The nurse is preparing to teach a woman about BSE. Which statement by the nurse is correct? a. "BSE is more important than ever for you because you have never had any children." b. "BSE is so important because one out of nine women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime." c. "BSE on a monthly basis will help you become familiar with your own breasts and feel their normal variations." d. "BSE will save your life because you are likely to find a cancerous lump between mammograms."

Q: The nurse is conducting a class on BSE. Which of these statements indicates the proper BSE technique? a. The best time to perform BSE is in the middle of the menstrual cycle. b. The woman needs to perform BSE only bimonthly unless she has fibrocystic breast tissue. c. The best time to perform a BSE is 4 to 7 days after the first day of the menstrual period. d. If she suspects that she is pregnant, then the woman should not perform a BSE until her baby is born.

Q: The nurse has palpated a lump in a female patient's right breast. The nurse documents this as a small, round, firm, distinct, lump located at 2 o"clock, 2 cm from the nipple. It is nontender and fixed. No associated retraction of the skin or nipple, no erythema, and no axillary lymphadenopathy are observed. What information is missing from the documentation? a. Shape of the lump b. Consistency of the lump c. Size of the lump d. Whether the lump is solitary or multiple

Q: 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. The nurse should plan to: a. Palpate the lump first. b. Palpate the unaffected breast first. c. Avoid palpating the lump because it could be a cyst, which might rupture. d. Palpate the breast with the lump first but plan to palpate the axilla last.

Q: Which of these clinical situations would the nurse consider to be outside normal limits? a. A patient has had one pregnancy and states that she believes she may be entering menopause. Her breast examination reveals breasts that are soft and slightly sagging. b. A patient has never been pregnant. Her breast examination reveals large pendulous breasts that have a firm, transverse ridge along the lower quadrant in both breasts. c. A patient has never been pregnant and reports that she should begin her period tomorrow. Her breast examination reveals breast tissue that is nodular and somewhat engorged. She states that the examination was slightly painful. d. A patient has had two pregnancies, and she breastfed both of her children. Her youngest child is now 10 years old. Her breast examination reveals breast tissue that is somewhat soft, and she has a small amount of thick yellow discharge from both nipples.

Q: The nurse is palpating a female patient's breasts during an examination. Which of these positions is most likely to make significant lumps more distinct during breast palpation? a. Supine with the arms raised over her head b. Sitting with the arms relaxed at her sides c. Supine with the arms relaxed at her sides d. Sitting with the arms flexed and fingertips touching her shoulders

Q: The nurse is performing a breast examination. Which of these statements best describes the correct procedure to use when screening for nipple and skin retraction during a breast examination? Have the woman: a. Bend over and touch her toes. b. Lie down on her left side and notice any retraction. c. Shift from a supine position to a standing position, and note any lag or retraction. d. Slowly lift her arms above her head, and note any retraction or lag in movement.

Q: During the physical examination, the nurse notices that a female patient has an inverted left nipple. Which statement regarding this is most accurate? a. Normal nipple inversion is usually bilateral. b. Unilateral inversion of a nipple is always a serious sign. c. Whether the inversion is a recent change should be determined. d. Nipple inversion is not significant unless accompanied by an underlying palpable mass.

Q: The nurse is assisting with a BSE clinic. Which of these women reflect abnormal findings during the inspection phase of breast examination? a. Woman whose nipples are in different planes (deviated). b. Woman whose left breast is slightly larger than her right. c. Nonpregnant woman whose skin is marked with linear striae. d. Pregnant woman whose breasts have a fine blue network of veins visible under the skin.

Q: 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 trueabout this finding? a. Breasts should always be symmetric. b. Asymmetry of breast size and shape is probably due to breastfeeding and is nothing to worry about. c. Asymmetry is not unusual, but the nurse should verify that this change is not new. d. Asymmetry of breast size and shape is very unusual and means she may have an inflammation or growth.

Q: The nurse is reviewing risk factors for breast cancer. Which of these women have risk factors that place them at a higher risk for breast cancer? a. 37 year old who is slightly overweight b. 42 year old who has had ovarian cancer c. 45 year old who has never been pregnant d. 65 year old whose mother had breast cancer

Q: During an interview, a patient reveals that she is pregnant. She states that she is not sure whether she will breastfeed her baby and asks for some information about this. Which of these statements by the nurse is accurate? a. "Breastfed babies tend to be more colicky." b. "Breastfeeding provides the perfect food and antibodies for your baby." c. "Breastfed babies eat more often than infants on formula." d. "Breastfeeding is second nature, and every woman can do it."

Q: During an annual physical examination, a 43-year-old patient states that she does not perform monthly breast self-examinations (BSEs). She tells the nurse that she believes that mammograms "do a much better job than I ever could to find a lump." The nurse should explain to her that: a. BSEs may detect lumps that appear between mammograms. b. BSEs are unnecessary until the age of 50 years. c. She is correctmammography is a good replacement for BSE. d. She does not need to perform BSEs as long as a physician checks her breasts annually.

Q: A patient is newly diagnosed with benign breast disease. The nurse recognizes which statement about benign breast disease to be true? The presence of benign breast disease: a. Makes it hard to examine the breasts. b. Frequently turns into cancer in a woman's later years. c. Is easily reduced with hormone replacement therapy. d. Is usually diagnosed before a woman reaches childbearing age.

Q: During a physical examination, a 45-year-old woman states that she has had a crusty, itchy rash on her breast for approximately 2 weeks. In trying to find the cause of the rash, which question would be important for the nurse to ask? a. "Is the rash raised and red?" b. "Does it appear to be cyclic?" c. "Where did the rash first appearon the nipple, the areola, or the surrounding skin?" d. "What was she doing when she first noticed the rash, and do her actions make it worse?"

Q: During a health history interview, a female patient states that she has noticed a few drops of clear discharge from her right nipple. What should the nurse do next? a. Immediately contact the physician to report the discharge. b. Ask her if she is possibly pregnant. c. Ask the patient some additional questions about the medications she is taking. d. Immediately obtain a sample for culture and sensitivity testing.