1.

During the examination of the breasts, a young adult patient's nipples becomes erect and
the areolas pucker. The nurse explains to the patient that these findings indicate:
A) An abnormal smooth muscle response
B) Intact tactile stimulation of the area
C) Future difficulty with breast-feeding
D) Overabundance of areolar glands

2.A patient is concerned about a right breast lump. What can the nurse ask the patient to
assess associated manifestations of this mass? (Select all that apply.)
A) “Is there pain with the lump?”
B) “Is there any discharge from the lump?”
C) “Does anything make it go away?”
D) “How are you coping with this?”
E) “Are you menstruating when the lump is present?”

3.While conducting a breast health history, a patient states that there is “nothing to say”
about the breasts and then makes a comment about not realizing that it would take so
many months for the milk to stop flowing in the breasts after having a baby. What should
the nurse respond to the patient?
A) “It can take up to a year for the milk to stop flowing.”
B) “Is it painful?”
C) “In which breast does this occur?”
D) “Are there any other symptoms occurring at this time?”

4.The nurse asks the patient to sit with the arms at both sides when beginning the clinical
breast examination. With this position, the nurse will assess: (Select all that apply.)
A) Appearance of the skin
B) Size and symmetry of the breasts
C) Characteristics of the nipples
D) Lateral portion of the breast
E) Contour of the breasts

5.When assessing the axillae of the patient during the breast examination, the nurse should:
A) Reach high towards the apex of the axilla.
B) Palpate the lower border of the pectoral muscle.
C) Feel along the upper humerus.
D) Feel inside the posterior axillary fold muscle.

6.When conducting the clinical breast examination of a patient, the pattern that the nurse
should follow would be:
A) Circular
B) Wedge
C) Vertical strip
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D) Concentric circles

7.The nurse is instructing a patient on conducting breast self-examination. What should the
nurse include in these instructions? (Select all that apply.)
A) Stand in front of a mirror and place one arm behind the head.
B) Lie down and place one arm behind the head.
C) Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers of the hand.
D) Use one level of pressure to feel all the breast tissue.
E) Move in a circular pattern to check the entire breast.

8.The nurse palpates a mass while conducting the physical assessment of the patient's
breast. How should the nurse document the mass located in the position provided in the
diagram?

A) Mass located in the Tail of Spence

B) Mass located in the 8 o'clock position
C) Mass located in the lower inner quadrant
D) Mass located in the 2 o'clock position

9.A patient asks what can be done to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. What
should the nurse instruct this patient? (Select all that apply.)
A) Maintain a normal body weight.
B) Limit alcohol use.
C) Avoid breast-feeding.
D) Limit exercise.
E) Have mammograms every 2 years.

10.A patient has had two breast biopsies within 10 years. Both of these biopsies were to

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 drain cysts. The nurse should instruct the patient that these procedures will have which
impact on the future development of breast cancer?
A) No increased risk
B) Small increased risk
C) Moderate increased risk
D) Large increased risk

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Answer Key

1.B
2.A, B, E
3.C
4.A, B, C, E
5.A
6.C
7.B, C
8.B
9.A, B
10.A

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