NUR 2633 – Study Guide Exam 1/50 ques;ons
Women’s health encompasses breast care, GYN exams, and assessments. Be comfortable with the
parameters
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a. Breast educationb. Fluctuating hormone levels during the monthly cycle cause changes in breast tissue.
i. Following menstruation, when hormone levels are at their lowest, the breast tissue
is smooth and nontender.
ii. As estrogen levels increase mid-cycle, breasts may become more sensitive. Also,
just before menstruation, when progesterone is elevated, the breasts become
swollen and tender, with palpable nodules.
c. The area between the breasts has several oil and sweat glands, creating an atmosphere
conducive to the growth of bacteria.
d. Pregnancy darkens the color of the nipple, which is an enhancement for the breastfeeding
baby. This darker color does not disappear after pregnancy.
e. Mammography (mammogram) - is an MRI of the breast tissue used to detect
abnormalities (tumors and cysts).
i. Routine mammograms should be performed every 2 years for women ages 50-74
ii. Some gynecologists recommend mammograms begin a yearly mammogram
screening at age 40.
Self-breast examsiii. Should be performed every 1-3 years for age 20-29 and every year for women
over 40.
iv. Technique:
Breast Self-Examination (ACS, 2011d) pg lxix
1) Lie down on your back and place your right arm behind your head. Remember, this step is
done while lying down. In this position, the breast tissue spreads evenly over your chest wall
and is as thin as possible. This makes it much easier to feel all of the breast tissue.
2) Use the pads of your three middle fingers on the left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast.
Use overlapping dime-sized circular motions of the finger pads to feel all of the breast tissue.
3) When feeling the breast tissue, you will use three different levels of pressure. Light pressure
is needed to feel the tissue closest to the skin. Medium pressure allows you to feel a little
deeper, and firm pressure allows you to feel the tissue closest to your chest and ribs.
o Remember, it is normal to feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast. If you
feel anything else out of the ordinary, be sure to tell your health-care practitioner. It is
important to use each pressure level to feel all of the breast tissue before you move on
to the next spot. [Show Less]