Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Breast Disorders Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Breast Disorders related questions and content

A client complains of having tender and painful breasts, often feeling multiple jumps within the breast tissue. The nurse would need to gather additional information about which of the following?

  • A. Alcohol and caffeine consumption
  • B. Client's workplace in relation to the surroundings
  • C. Timing of symptoms in relation to the menstrual cycle
  • D. Bathing frequency and living surroundings
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Considering that the client has tender and painful breasts and often feels lumps within her breast tissue, it is most likely that she suffers from fibrocystic breast disease. To confirm these findings, the nurse should ask relevant questions about the characteristics and timing of symptoms in relation to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease are noticeable before menstruation and usually state during menstruation. The size of one cyst becomes larger before menstruation and often changes with the menstrual cycle. The nurse should further ask the client about her habits of smoking and consuming coffee, chocolate, and caffeinated soft drinks, not alcohol, because they aggravate the condition. Workplace surroundings or cleanliness habits do not matter because fibrocystic breast disease is not infectious.