University:
University of Alberta
Course:
NURS 125 | Nursing Practice - Health Assessment
Academic year:

2024
Views:

181

Pages:

2
Author:

Ali O

Chapter 21: Breast and Axillae Assessment Focused Health History · breast cancer screening · health promotion: check your breasts · pregnancy · LMP · past medical history · medications · family history of breast or cervical cancer · immunizations · changes in breasts Physical Assessment · inspection · palpation · breast cancer screening Inspection · observe patient disrobed to the waist ↳ arms at side ↳ arms over head ↳ arms on hips ↳ pendulous → arms on hips bent forward · breast, areola, and nipple ↳ size, symmetry, , shape · skin (redness, swelling, ulcers, edema) · masses · discharge · gynecomastia in males · move to ultrasound after if needed Palpation ① Axillae · best when patient is sitting · gently abduct and support patients arm · feel for the axillary lymph nodes ② Breasts · best when patient is supine with arm slightly to the side, no pillow · assess in a horizontal pattern (ladder formation) from top to bottom · use your finger pads, not fingertips · note any discharge around the areola Breast Cancer · most breast findings are not cancer! · most common areas for cancer are the tail of spence and upper lateral quadrant Male Breast Cancer · usually detected when a man finds a lump in his chest under or near the nipple or in the armpit · breast cancer is rarely checked for in men, and this delay in care seeking often results in more advanced disease · most often in men 60+ · risk factors: radiation exposure, high estrogen levels, family history Tanners Stages of Breast Development