exam 3 Flashcards
What lymph nodes are assessed when conducting a breast exam?
central axillary nodes, pectoral nodes, subscapular nodes, lateral nodes
Be familiar with appropriate assessment techniques when performing a breast exam.
When performing a breast exam, appropriate assessment techniques include: visual inspection of the breasts for symmetry, skin changes, and nipple discharge, followed by palpation using the pads of the fingers with light, medium, and firm pressure to feel for lumps, thickening, or other abnormalities throughout the breast tissue, including the axillary area, while systematically covering the entire breast using a consistent pattern; always ensuring patient comfort and explaining each step of the process clearly
- circular and vertical pattern
What is Peau d’ Orange? Is this significant? Why or why not?
Peau d’orange is when the breast tissue resembles the skin of an orange. It is caused by edema, which dilates the hair follicles. This finding can be significant and is not normal as it can be associated with breast cancer.
What is an extra nipple called? Is this significant? Why or why not?
It is called a supernumerary nipple and is an expected variation. They are typically pink or brown and appear along the embryonic milk line. They are often mistaken for moles.
Can men get breast cancer? How common is it?
Yes, men can get breast cancer. Less than 1% of all breast cancer cases are in men
What is gynecomastia?
gynecomastia - an enlargement of the anatomically male breast tissue, it can be seen transiently in adolescents and with weight gain.
What is the difference in approach for teaching/interventions for adolescent male vs aging male?
with an adolescent male you need to make sure they understand it is normal, common, and temporary with puberty. With older men you need to know that it may indicate an underlying medical condition and needs further investigation
What should you consider when teaching an adolescent female about breast development?
consider the women’s BMI and know that their BMI may contribute to early or late budding.
make sure that they eventually do start self breast examinations because it is equally as important
- everyone may develop differently, around ages 8-10
Why are breast self-exams important?
Breast self-exams are important because they allow women to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts, which enables them to identify any unusual changes or potential signs of breast cancer early on, by noticing new lumps, skin alterations, or nipple discharge, prompting them to consult a healthcare professional if necessary; essentially acting as a tool for early detection
What characteristics would need to be included when describing a newly found lump on a patient for documentation? (exam)
location (use clock face and distance from nipple), size in cm, shape, consistency, mobility, distinctness (solitary or multiple), nipple (displaced or retracted, or normal), how the skin looks over the lump, any tenderness, is there any lymphadenopathy
What are some risk factors for breast cancer? Which are the highest risk and which are lowest?
highest - greater than 4 (age, atypical hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ, pathogenic genetic variations)
middle (2.1-4) - (ductal carcinoma in situ, high endogenous hormone levels, high-dose radiation to the chest, dense breasts, 2 or more 1st degree relatives with breast cancer)
lowest - 1.1-2 (alcohol, early menarche, excess weight, late age first pregnancy, no full-term pregnancies, tall height, recent hormonal contraceptive use, one 1st degree relative with breast cancer)
What are some common signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalances?
muscle cramps, confusion, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, headaches, irregular heartbeat, numbness or tingling, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, personality changes, reflex alterations
What are major risks associated with a client receiving a blood transfusion?
allergic reactions (hives, itching), febrile non-hemolytic reactions (fever), acute hemolytic reactions (destruction of red blood cells due to incompatibility), transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), bacterial contamination, and transmission of bloodborne infections like HIV or Hepatitis B/C
what should a nurse monitor when it comes to transfusion reactions
a nurse should closely monitor vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate), watch for signs of allergic reactions like hives or itching, and be alert for sudden changes in temperature, chills, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or dark urine, which could indicate a more serious reaction
What steps must nurses take when starting a blood transfusion?
When starting a blood transfusion, a nurse must: verify patient identity and blood product compatibility, obtain baseline vital signs, administer the transfusion slowly initially, closely monitor the patient for signs of a reaction during the first 15 minutes, and document all details
what should the nurse do if they suspect a transfusion reaction is occurring
if a reaction is suspected, the nurse must immediately stop the transfusion, maintain IV access with normal saline, monitor vital signs closely, notify the healthcare provider and blood bank, and document the incident thoroughly
Definitions of hypovolemia and hypervolemia
hypovolemia - the loss of fluids and electrolytes
hypervolemia - too much water in the body, “circulatory overload”
What might cause hypo/hyper volemia to occur
hypovolemia - blood loss, severe burns, excessive sweating
hypervolemia - commonly caused by kidney disease
manifestations of hypo/hyper volemia
hypovolemia - thirst, dryness of mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, decreased urine output.
hypervolemia - hypertension, jugular venous distension, edema, dyspnea, adventitious breath sounds
What electrolyte imbalance is associated with osteoporosis? What client education would be appropriate?
low calcium can lead to osteoporosis
maintaining adequate sodium intake, and monitoring for potential causes of low sodium. explain the importance for sodium and the importance of proper hydration
make sure to take in small frequent amounts, less than 600
Client education for preventing and treating hypokalemia?
may order an ECG to see if it is affecting the heart. Treatment starts with identifying the underlying cause, then potassium supplements may be prescribed, eat and drink enough potassium
Why might older adults be more at risk for dehydration?
physiological changes (decreased thirst, reduced reserves, kidney changes), chronic illnesses, medications
What can occur if someone is receiving too much oxygen? What s/s might be present?
oxygen toxicity
acute - CNS manifestations (muscle twitching, decreased level of consciousness)
chronic - coughing, dyspnea, chest pains, substernal heaviness
stress, cold, and fatigue can aggravate all signs and symptoms
How do you assess for cyanosis? How do you assess for cyanosis in someone who has darker skin?
To assess for cyanosis, look for a bluish discoloration of the skin, particularly around the lips, tongue, nail beds, and earlobes; in individuals with darker skin, cyanosis may appear as a grayish hue and is best observed in the mucous membranes like the gums, inside the lips, and the conjunctiva of the eyes, along with checking the nail beds and palms of the hands