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 with a painless, firm, notender lump in the breast is being scheduled for diagnostic testing. Which test would the nurse expect the physician to order?

  • A. Standard mammogram
  • B. Ultrasound
  • C. Excisional biopsy
  • D. Culture of discharge
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ultrasound can reveal physical characteristics unique to a fibroadenom a versus malignant mass with a higher degree of accuracy than standard mammography. In the case of very young women - an atypical age for breast cancer - an excisional biopsy is performed only if the mass changes or becomes larger. If the mass is detected in a woman with a higher risk for developing breast cancer, such as one with a family history or of an older age, a biopsy is performed to confirm that the tissue is indeed benign. There is no discharge to culture.