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Breast and Female Genitalia Assessment — Transcript

by Gina Kemper · 4,569 words · 898 segments · language en · Watch on YouTube

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  1. 0:00Hello. So, we're moving on to discuss
  2. 0:05assessment of the breasts, axilla, and
  3. 0:08female genitalia.
  4. 0:10And so, these assessments are really
  5. 0:12important components of a comprehensive
  6. 0:14health exam, and they play a critical
  7. 0:16role in health promotion, early
  8. 0:18detection of disease, and patient
  9. 0:20education.
  10. 0:22And again, many patients are going to
  11. 0:23feel anxious, embarrassed, or vulnerable
  12. 0:26during these assessments, so it's
  13. 0:27essential that we establish trust,
  14. 0:30maintain professionalism, explain each
  15. 0:32step of the exam, and provide privacy
  16. 0:34and dignity throughout the assessment
  17. 0:36process.
  18. 0:37So, we're going to review relevant
  19. 0:40anatomy and physiology, subjective and
  20. 0:42objective assessment techniques, and
  21. 0:44age-related
  22. 0:46considerations, health promotion
  23. 0:48strategies, and then common common
  24. 0:50abnormal findings that may require
  25. 0:51further evaluation. So, by the end of
  26. 0:54this presentation, you should be able to
  27. 0:55identify normal and abnormal assessment
  28. 0:57findings, and understand the nursing
  29. 0:59implications of those findings.
  30. 1:04Along with these learning objectives,
  31. 1:10So, before performing a female genital
  32. 1:12assessment, it's important to explain
  33. 1:14the procedure and obtain informed
  34. 1:16consent. You're again going to provide
  35. 1:18privacy, and we're going to use a
  36. 1:20trauma-informed approach. And many
  37. 1:22patients are going to feel anxious or
  38. 1:24embarrassed during this exam, so
  39. 1:26maintaining dignity and professionalism,
  40. 1:29as well as communication, is essential
  41. 1:30throughout.
  42. 1:32So, we have some structures here I'm
  43. 1:34going to highlight. So, we have the
  44. 1:36labia majora,
  45. 1:38which are the larger outer folds of the
  46. 1:40skin that provide protection for the
  47. 1:42underlying structures. And inside these
  48. 1:45are the labia minora, which are thinner
  49. 1:48folds that surround the vestibule. It's
  50. 1:50important to recognize that significant
  51. 1:52variation in size, shape, color, and
  52. 1:55symmetry of the labia is normal.
  53. 1:58Then we have the urinary meatus is the
  54. 2:00opening of the urethra. It's located
  55. 2:02between the clitoris and the vaginal
  56. 2:05opening.
  57. 2:06During assessment, nurses should observe
  58. 2:08for redness, swelling, discharge, and
  59. 2:11signs of irritation.
  60. 2:14Then we have the perineum, which is the
  61. 2:17area between the vaginal opening and the
  62. 2:19anus. And so assessment of this area is
  63. 2:22particularly important following
  64. 2:24childbirth, surgery, trauma, or when
  65. 2:27evaluating skin integrity.
  66. 2:29And finally, the anus should be expected
  67. 2:31or inspected for skin integrity,
  68. 2:34hemorrhoids, lesions, fissures, or any
  69. 2:37signs of infection.
  70. 2:39And we're when we're assessing the
  71. 2:40external genitalia, we should inspect
  72. 2:43for color and pigmentation, symmetry,
  73. 2:47hair distribution, any lesions, ulcers,
  74. 2:50or masses, swelling or edema, discharge,
  75. 2:53and signs of infection or trauma.
  76. 2:56Normal findings include intact skin,
  77. 2:58absence of lesions, no unusual
  78. 3:00discharge, and structures that are free
  79. 3:02of tenderness, swelling, or
  80. 3:04inflammation. And remember that normal
  81. 3:06appearance varies greatly among
  82. 3:08individuals based on age, hormonal
  83. 3:11status, childbirth birth history,
  84. 3:14ethnicity, and individual anatomy.
  85. 3:17So, the goal is to identify
  86. 3:18abnormalities while also respecting
  87. 3:20normal anatomical variation.
  88. 3:26So, this slide illustrates the major
  89. 3:28internal reproductive organs and their
  90. 3:30relationship to surrounding structures.
  91. 3:32So, the vagina is a muscular elastic
  92. 3:35canal extending from the vaginal opening
  93. 3:38to the cervix, and it serves as a
  94. 3:40passageway for menstrual flow, sexual
  95. 3:42intercourse, and childbirth. And the
  96. 3:45vaginal walls are normally pink, moist,
  97. 3:47and free of lesions. And at the upper
  98. 3:49end of the vagina is a cervix, which is
  99. 3:51the lower portion of the uterus. And the
  100. 3:54cervix contains the cervical canal
  101. 3:57connecting the uterus to the vagina.
  102. 3:59And during a pelvic exam, the cervix is
  103. 4:02assessed for color, position, lesions,
  104. 4:05discharge, and abnormalities.
  105. 4:08The uterus is a hollow muscular organ.
  106. 4:10It's located between the bladder and
  107. 4:12rectum. It's primary function is to
  108. 4:14support fetal development during
  109. 4:17pregnancy. The upper rounded portion is
  110. 4:20called the fundus, while the main body
  111. 4:22is referred to as the corpus. Uh the
  112. 4:25uterine wall contains three layers. We
  113. 4:28have the endometrium,
  114. 4:30which thickens and sheds during
  115. 4:32menstruation, myometrium, which is the
  116. 4:35thick muscular layer responsible for
  117. 4:37uterine
  118. 4:38contractions, and the perimetrium, which
  119. 4:42is the outer protective layer.
  120. 4:45Um so, extending laterally from the
  121. 4:47uterus are the fallopian tubes, which
  122. 4:49transport ova from the ovaries toward
  123. 4:52the uterus.
  124. 4:54Um and then fertilization most commonly
  125. 4:57occurs within the fallopian tube.
  126. 5:00The ovaries are paired reproductive
  127. 5:02organs that produce that ova and secrete
  128. 5:04hormones, including estrogen and
  129. 5:06progesterone.
  130. 5:08And although the ovaries are important
  131. 5:10structures, they are often difficult to
  132. 5:12palpate during a routine exam, um
  133. 5:14especially in postmenopausal
  134. 5:16individuals. But notice the close
  135. 5:18relationship between the reproductive
  136. 5:20organs and neighboring structures, such
  137. 5:22as the bladder, urethra, ureters, and
  138. 5:24rectum. So, understanding this anatomy
  139. 5:27helps explain symptoms such as urinary
  140. 5:29frequency, pelvic pressure,
  141. 5:31constipation, or pain that may occur
  142. 5:34within reproductive conditions.
  143. 5:37And during a comprehensive pelvic exam,
  144. 5:39health care providers may evaluate the
  145. 5:41cervix, uterus, and ovaries through a
  146. 5:43speculum and bimanual examinations.
  147. 5:47So, as nurses, important to understand
  148. 5:49the purpose of these assessments, assist
  149. 5:51with patient positioning and comfort,
  150. 5:53and then recognizing normal versus
  151. 5:55abnormal findings.
  152. 6:00So, to understand the female
  153. 6:01reproductive health, it's important to
  154. 6:03understand the hormonal feedback system
  155. 6:05that regulates the menstrual menstrual
  156. 6:07cycle and reproductive function. Um this
  157. 6:10process involves communication between
  158. 6:12the hypothalamus,
  159. 6:14anterior pituitary gland, and ovaries.
  160. 6:17It's often referred to as the
  161. 6:19hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis, or
  162. 6:22HPO for short. Uh the process begins
  163. 6:26with the hypothalamus, which secretes uh
  164. 6:29gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
  165. 6:32Gonadotropin, sorry. And this stimulates
  166. 6:35the anterior pituitary gland to release
  167. 6:37two important hormones. So, we have
  168. 6:39follicle-stimulating hormone and
  169. 6:42luteinizing hormone. Uh
  170. 6:44follicle-stimulating hormone primarily
  171. 6:46stimulates the growth and maturation of
  172. 6:48ovarian follicles. And as follicles
  173. 6:51mature, they begin producing estrogen.
  174. 6:54Um and then we have luteinizing hormone,
  175. 6:56which works alongside uh
  176. 6:58the follicle-stimulating hormone, but it
  177. 7:01plays a particularly important role in
  178. 7:04triggering ovulation. So, a surge in
  179. 7:07luteinizing hormone can cause the mature
  180. 7:09follicle to release an ovum, which is
  181. 7:12the process we know as ovulation.
  182. 7:16And the ovaries respond to those
  183. 7:18hormones by producing the hormones
  184. 7:21estrogen and progesterone. And estrogen
  185. 7:24is responsible for development of female
  186. 7:26secondary sex characteristics,
  187. 7:28growth and thickening of the endometrium
  188. 7:31during the first half of the menstrual
  189. 7:33cycle, and regulation of the menstrual
  190. 7:36cycle through feedback mechanisms.
  191. 7:39Progesterone becomes the dominant
  192. 7:40hormone after ovulation. Its primary
  193. 7:42role is to prepare and maintain the
  194. 7:44endometrium for possible implantation of
  195. 7:48a fertilized egg.
  196. 7:49But if fertilization does not occur,
  197. 7:51estrogen and progesterone levels are
  198. 7:53going to decline, which causes the
  199. 7:55endometrium [clears throat] lining to
  200. 7:56shed and results in menstruation.
  201. 7:59So the system functions through a
  202. 8:02delicate balance of positive and
  203. 8:04negative feedback loops. And any
  204. 8:06disruptions anywhere along the pathway
  205. 8:08can lead to menstrual
  206. 8:11irregularities,
  207. 8:12infertility, or hormone hormonal
  208. 8:15disorders.
  209. 8:16So very sensitive.
  210. 8:21Let's move on to breast exam. So before
  211. 8:24performing a breast assessment and exam,
  212. 8:27it's important to understand the
  213. 8:28underlying anatomy. So knowledge of
  214. 8:30breast structures helps us distinguish
  215. 8:33normal findings from abnormalities, and
  216. 8:35it helps us understand how disease
  217. 8:37processes affect the breast. So let's
  218. 8:40review the major structure shown on the
  219. 8:41slide. We have the nipple, which is
  220. 8:43located near the center of the breast.
  221. 8:45And during assessment, we observe the
  222. 8:47nipples for symmetry, position,
  223. 8:49inversion, discharge, scaling, or
  224. 8:52lesions. Surrounding the nipple is the
  225. 8:55areola, the pigmented area of skin.
  226. 8:59We're are looking at color and size,
  227. 9:01which can vary widely among individuals,
  228. 9:03and it may change during pregnancy due
  229. 9:05to hormonal influences.
  230. 9:08And within the areola, these are we have
  231. 9:10small sebaceous glands called Montgomery
  232. 9:13glands. And these glands secrete an oily
  233. 9:16substance that lubricates and protects
  234. 9:18the nipple, particularly during
  235. 9:20breastfeeding.
  236. 9:22And then small raised bumps in this area
  237. 9:24are also a normal finding.
  238. 9:27And the breast is supported by fibrous
  239. 9:29connective tissue, including Cooper's
  240. 9:31ligaments. And these ligaments help
  241. 9:32maintain breast shape and structure.
  242. 9:35When breast cancer invades ligaments,
  243. 9:38uh, we may sometimes see dimpling or
  244. 9:41retraction of the skin.
  245. 9:44The glandular tissue, this is
  246. 9:46responsible for milk production
  247. 9:47production and transport. This tissue
  248. 9:50consists of lobes, lobules, and ducts
  249. 9:52that converge towards the nipple.
  250. 9:55Uh, much of the breast nodularity comes
  251. 9:58from normal glandular tissue,
  252. 10:00particularly in young women.
  253. 10:02And within the glandular tissue are
  254. 10:05these acini which are the milk-producing
  255. 10:07cells. Uh, during pregnancy and
  256. 10:09lactation, hormonal stimulation causes
  257. 10:12these cells to enlarge and become active
  258. 10:14in milk product milk production.
  259. 10:17The breast also contains a rich network
  260. 10:20of arteries and veins, which provide
  261. 10:22blood supply and support lactation.
  262. 10:25Increased vascularity may become visible
  263. 10:27during pregnancy and breastfeeding. And
  264. 10:29one of the most clinically important
  265. 10:31structures shown on the slide is the
  266. 10:32lymphatic system. So, approximately 75%
  267. 10:36of breast lymphatic drainage occurs
  268. 10:39through the axillary lymph nodes.
  269. 10:41Uh, the remaining drainage occurs
  270. 10:43through internal mammary and other
  271. 10:45regional lymph nodes.
  272. 10:48Uh, this lymphatic drainage pattern is
  273. 10:51important because breast cancer often
  274. 10:53spreads first through the lymphatic
  275. 10:55system. So, for this reason, axillary
  276. 10:58lymph node assessment is routine part of
  277. 11:01every breast examination. Make sense?
  278. 11:07So, to accurately communicate breast
  279. 11:09assessment findings, health care
  280. 11:11providers use standardized breast
  281. 11:13landmarks. And these landmarks allow
  282. 11:15clinicians to precisely describe the
  283. 11:18location of masses, tenderness, skin
  284. 11:20changes, or other abnormalities, and
  285. 11:22ensure clear communication among members
  286. 11:24of the health care team. So, there are
  287. 11:26two common methods used to describe
  288. 11:28breast findings. The first method
  289. 11:30divides the breast into four quadrants.
  290. 11:33We have upper outer, upper inner, lower
  291. 11:36outer, and lower inner quadrants. And an
  292. 11:39additional area called the tail of
  293. 11:41Spence, this extends from the upper
  294. 11:44outer quadrant into the axilla.
  295. 11:46Uh
  296. 11:46>> [snorts]
  297. 11:46>> this region contains breast tissue and
  298. 11:48lymphatic structures and it's clinically
  299. 11:50important because
  300. 11:52um
  301. 11:52like we said, many breast cancers
  302. 11:54develop in this area. So, therefore,
  303. 11:55assessment of the tail of Spence and
  304. 11:58axillary lymph nodes should always be
  305. 12:00included during a breast examination.
  306. 12:03The second method uses the face of a
  307. 12:05clock. So, in this system, the nipple
  308. 12:07serves as the center of the clock. The
  309. 12:09findings are described by their clock
  310. 12:11position and distance from the nipple.
  311. 12:12For example, a nurse might document a 1
  312. 12:16cm firm mobile mass located at the 2:00
  313. 12:20position, 3 cm from the nipple. Or
  314. 12:23tenderness noted in the lower outer
  315. 12:26quadrant of the left breast. So, using
  316. 12:28consistent landmarks is going to help us
  317. 12:30improve documentation accuracy and allow
  318. 12:33providers to compare findings over time.
  319. 12:39So, one of the most important roles of
  320. 12:40the nurse during a breast assessment is
  321. 12:43recognizing findings that require prompt
  322. 12:45follow-up and further evaluation. So,
  323. 12:48patients present with a variety of
  324. 12:49breast concerns including trauma,
  325. 12:51infection, pain, masses, or nipple
  326. 12:53discharge. And while many breast
  327. 12:55conditions are benign, it's important to
  328. 12:57remember that breast cancer can
  329. 12:58sometimes mimic inflammatory or
  330. 13:01infectious conditions making careful
  331. 13:03assessment really essential. So, common
  332. 13:05findings that should prompt additional
  333. 13:07investigation, a new lump or mass, it's
  334. 13:11one of the most significant findings.
  335. 13:13Although many breast masses are benign,
  336. 13:16any new mass should be further evaluated
  337. 13:18particularly if it's firm, fixed,
  338. 13:21irregular, or persists after menstrual
  339. 13:23cycle.
  340. 13:24Breast swelling or asymmetrical
  341. 13:26enlargement, this may indicate
  342. 13:28infection, inflammation, trauma, or
  343. 13:31malignancy. So, changes in the skin,
  344. 13:33such as dimpling as well, puckering, or
  345. 13:35irritation, these are concerning. Again,
  346. 13:38we talked about how they may indicate
  347. 13:39involvement of the underlying connective
  348. 13:41tissue and lymph nodes.
  349. 13:43Um dimpling occurs when a lesion pulls
  350. 13:46on those Cooper's ligaments,
  351. 13:49um which creates that indentation in the
  352. 13:51skin.
  353. 13:53Breast pain, this is often associated
  354. 13:55with benign as well, um but persistent
  355. 13:58localized breast or nipple pain warrants
  356. 14:01further assessment, especially when
  357. 14:02accompanied by other abnormal findings.
  358. 14:06Nipple retraction is another important
  359. 14:08finding, although some individuals have
  360. 14:09lifelong inverted nipples, a newly
  361. 14:12retracted nipple should always be
  362. 14:13evaluated because it may result from an
  363. 14:15underlying mass pulling on the breast
  364. 14:17tissue.
  365. 14:19Any changes involving the nipple or
  366. 14:21breast skin, including redness, scaling,
  367. 14:23crusting, thickening, or ulceration may
  368. 14:25indicate inflammatory conditions,
  369. 14:27infection,
  370. 14:29or less commonly malignancy.
  371. 14:32Um finally, nipple discharge should
  372. 14:34always be assessed carefully. Important
  373. 14:36questions include, is the discharge
  374. 14:38spontaneous or is it expressed? Is it
  375. 14:41unilateral or bilateral?
  376. 14:44What color is it? Is it bloody, serous,
  377. 14:46milky, or purulent?
  378. 14:48Um spontaneous unilateral bloody
  379. 14:51discharge is particularly concerning and
  380. 14:53it requires prompt evaluation.
  381. 14:58So, before beginning the physical exam,
  382. 15:00it's important to gather a thorough
  383. 15:02health history, as we know. Um the
  384. 15:04subjective assessment is often going to
  385. 15:06provide us valuable information that's
  386. 15:08going to guide the physical exam and it
  387. 15:10help us identify risk factors for breast
  388. 15:12disease.
  389. 15:13Um so, breast discomfort, masses, or
  390. 15:16nipple discharge, we want to ask the
  391. 15:18patient about any breast pain,
  392. 15:20tenderness, lumps, or changes they have
  393. 15:22noticed. If pain is present, we're
  394. 15:24assessing the location, duration,
  395. 15:26severity, and relationship to the
  396. 15:28menstrual cycle.
  397. 15:30Um for nipple discharge, we're
  398. 15:31determining whether it again,
  399. 15:32spontaneous or expressed, unilateral or
  400. 15:35bilateral, noting the color and
  401. 15:37consistency.
  402. 15:40Any history of breast surgeries, we want
  403. 15:42to ask about previous breast surgeries
  404. 15:43including biopsies, lumpectomies,
  405. 15:46mastectomies, breast augmentation, or
  406. 15:49reduction procedures. Um surgical
  407. 15:51history may alter breast anatomy and
  408. 15:53affect assessment findings.
  409. 15:56Menstrual, pregnancy, and lactation
  410. 15:58history, so those hormonal hormonal
  411. 16:00fluctuations throughout life include
  412. 16:02breast or influence breast tissue. So
  413. 16:05we're asking about age of um
  414. 16:08menarche, which is
  415. 16:10the start of um
  416. 16:13a young woman's period, menopausal
  417. 16:16status, pregnancies, breastfeeding
  418. 16:18history, and current menstruation
  419. 16:20patterns.
  420. 16:22Any breast changes associated with
  421. 16:24pregnancy and lactation, these are often
  422. 16:26normal, but should also be assessed.
  423. 16:29Hormone replacement therapy and hormonal
  424. 16:31contraceptives, we're determining
  425. 16:33whether the patient currently uses or
  426. 16:34has previously used hormonal replacement
  427. 16:36therapy or hormonal contraceptives.
  428. 16:40Exogenous hormones can influence breast
  429. 16:42tissue density, and they may affect
  430. 16:44breast cancer risk.
  431. 16:47Personal history of breast trauma and
  432. 16:48self-care behaviors, we want to ask
  433. 16:50about any recent breast injury, trauma,
  434. 16:53which can cause pain, bruising, or fat
  435. 16:54necrosit or fat necrosis that may mimic
  436. 16:57a mass. We want to assess health
  437. 17:00promotion behaviors such as breast
  438. 17:02self-awareness, um routine screening,
  439. 17:04and uh mammography adherence.
  440. 17:10Family history, this is a significant
  441. 17:12risk factor for breast cancer. We want
  442. 17:13to ask about first-degree relatives with
  443. 17:16breast, ovarian, or related cancers and
  444. 17:19determine whether the patient or family
  445. 17:21members have tested positive for the
  446. 17:23BRCA 1 and 2 gene mutations, which
  447. 17:27substantially increase breast and
  448. 17:29ovarian cancer risk.
  449. 17:35Um assessment risk factors.
  450. 17:38So, we're asking about past medical
  451. 17:40history, any previous breast conditions
  452. 17:44such as cysts, fibroadenomas, atypical
  453. 17:47hyperplasia, or breast cancer. We're
  454. 17:49discussing reproductive history
  455. 17:51including age um that they started
  456. 17:55um having a period and menopause
  457. 17:58as prolonged lifetime exposure to
  458. 18:01estrogen may increase increase breast
  459. 18:03cancer risk. So, the younger you were
  460. 18:06getting uh your period,
  461. 18:09um the more
  462. 18:11increased breast cancer risk you you
  463. 18:13could have.
  464. 18:17Um
  465. 18:19we also want to determine whether the
  466. 18:20patient has undergone chest radiation
  467. 18:22therapy, particularly at a young age.
  468. 18:24This increases future breast cancer
  469. 18:26risk.
  470. 18:28And then lifestyle and personal habits,
  471. 18:29we're assessing alcohol consumption as
  472. 18:31increased alcohol intake is associated
  473. 18:34with higher risk of breast cancer. We
  474. 18:36want to discuss physical activity
  475. 18:38levels, weight management, and dietary
  476. 18:40habits, evaluate tobacco use and
  477. 18:42exposure to environmental risk factors,
  478. 18:45encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors
  479. 18:47that support overall breast health and
  480. 18:49reduce cancer risk.
  481. 18:52Medications, we want to review any
  482. 18:53current and past use of hormonal
  483. 18:56replacement therapy and hormonal
  484. 18:57contraceptives. We want to ask about
  485. 19:00medications that may affect hormone
  486. 19:01levels or cause breast changes and
  487. 19:04determine whether the patient has
  488. 19:05noticed breast symptoms associated with
  489. 19:07medication use.
  490. 19:09And then finally, obtain a detailed
  491. 19:11family history, especially again among
  492. 19:13first-degree relatives such as parents,
  493. 19:16siblings, and children. We want to ask
  494. 19:18about breast cancer, ovarian cancer,
  495. 19:20prostate, pancreatic, and known genetic
  496. 19:23mutations.
  497. 19:25And determine whether any family members
  498. 19:27have tested positive again for the BRCA1
  499. 19:29and BRCA2 mutations.
  500. 19:36So, one of our
  501. 19:37>> [sighs]
  502. 19:37>> most important roles is promoting breast
  503. 19:39health through education, risk
  504. 19:41reduction, and early detective detection
  505. 19:44strategies.
  506. 19:46Um so, breastfeeding promotion. Um
  507. 19:48national and global health initiatives
  508. 19:50continue to promote breastfeeding
  509. 19:52because of its health benefits for both
  510. 19:54infants and mothers. So, breastfeeding
  511. 19:57provides optimal nutrition, supports
  512. 19:58infant immune function, and promotes
  513. 20:01maternal-infant bonding. So, for
  514. 20:03mothers, breastfeeding has been
  515. 20:04associated with a reduced risk of breast
  516. 20:06and ovarian cancers. And so, we can
  517. 20:09support breastfeeding by providing
  518. 20:10education, encouragement, and referrals
  519. 20:13to lactation resources when needed.
  520. 20:16Genetic counseling for individuals at
  521. 20:19increased risk. So, patients with a
  522. 20:20strong family history um may benefit
  523. 20:23from genetic counseling, which helps
  524. 20:25individuals understand their personal
  525. 20:26cancer risk and determine whether
  526. 20:29genetic testing may be appropriate.
  527. 20:32Reducing breast cancer mortality. So,
  528. 20:34early detection remains one of the most
  529. 20:36effective ways to reduce breast cancer
  530. 20:38deaths.
  531. 20:39Um we should encourage adherence to
  532. 20:41age-appropriate screening
  533. 20:42recommendations including mammography
  534. 20:45and clinical follow-up when
  535. 20:47abnormalities are identified.
  536. 20:50Um we should focus on recognizing breast
  537. 20:52changes and promptly reporting concerns
  538. 20:55to their health care provider. And then,
  539. 20:57teaching self um breast examination.
  540. 21:02Historically, women were routinely
  541. 21:03taught to perform monthly self breast
  542. 21:05examinations, but current evidence
  543. 21:08doesn't demonstrate that routine monthly
  544. 21:11um breast examinations alone reduces
  545. 21:13breast cancer mortality. So, many
  546. 21:15organizations no longer recommend that.
  547. 21:19Instead, [clears throat] they're
  548. 21:19emphasizing a strict monthly exam.
  549. 21:22Um
  550. 21:24current current
  551. 21:26Oh my god. Instead of that strict
  552. 21:28monthly exam, current recommendations
  553. 21:30are focusing on breast self-awareness.
  554. 21:33So, that means becoming really familiar
  555. 21:35with the normal appearance and feel of
  556. 21:37one's breasts and promptly reporting any
  557. 21:39changes.
  558. 21:47So, patients seek breast health care for
  559. 21:50a variety of reasons, and as nurses, we
  560. 21:52must recognize common symptoms,
  561. 21:54understand age-related changes, and
  562. 21:55provide culturally sensitive care. Um
  563. 21:59So, common symptoms that um patients
  564. 22:02might come in with, breast pain. This is
  565. 22:05common a common complaint, and it's
  566. 22:07often benign. The pain may be uh
  567. 22:10cyclical. It could occur with hormonal
  568. 22:12changes during the menstrual cycle or
  569. 22:14non-cyclical.
  570. 22:16Um so, we're assessing the location,
  571. 22:17duration, severity, and relationship to
  572. 22:19menstruation.
  573. 22:21So, although breast pain alone is rarely
  574. 22:23associated with cancer, persistent or
  575. 22:26localized pain should be evaluated.
  576. 22:29Rash, we're assessing the skin for
  577. 22:30redness, scaling, crusting, or
  578. 22:32irritation. Uh rashes may result from
  579. 22:34dermatitis, fungal infections, allergic
  580. 22:37reactions, or inflammatory conditions.
  581. 22:41Lumps, like we talked about, most breast
  582. 22:45masses are benign, but any new masses
  583. 22:47should be assessed carefully.
  584. 22:49Swelling, breast swelling may occur
  585. 22:51during um hormonal changes, could be an
  586. 22:54infection, trauma, pregnancy, or
  587. 22:56malignancy. So, we're comparing both
  588. 22:58breasts for symmetry and changes in
  589. 23:00contour.
  590. 23:02Nipple discharge, we're asking whether
  591. 23:04the discharge is again spontaneous or
  592. 23:06expressed, unilateral or bilateral, and
  593. 23:09noting the color.
  594. 23:11Trauma, any breast trauma can result in
  595. 23:13bruising, tenderness, swelling, or fat
  596. 23:15necrosis. So, obtaining details
  597. 23:17regarding the mechanism and timing of
  598. 23:19the injury.
  599. 23:22Special populations like in pregnancy,
  600. 23:24there are significant breast changes
  601. 23:26that occur
  602. 23:27um because of those hormonal influences.
  603. 23:29So, the breast typically enlarge, um
  604. 23:32become more vascular, and may develop
  605. 23:33prominent veins. The areola may darken,
  606. 23:37Montgomery glands become more
  607. 23:39noticeable, colostrum production may
  608. 23:42begin before delivery.
  609. 23:45Adolescence, um so breast development is
  610. 23:47a normal part of puberty. So, temporary
  611. 23:50asymmetry between breasts is common
  612. 23:52during this phase of life. Um breast
  613. 23:55buds may be tender during development.
  614. 23:57So, education should focus on normal
  615. 24:00growth patterns and body image for
  616. 24:02adolescents.
  617. 24:03Older adults, aging results in decreased
  618. 24:06glandular tissue and increased fatty
  619. 24:08tissue. So, breasts may become less firm
  620. 24:10and more
  621. 24:12um
  622. 24:13pendulous due to decreased elasticity.
  623. 24:17So, the nipples may flatten, the skin
  624. 24:18may become thinner.
  625. 24:20Um so, we're continuing to encourage
  626. 24:22age-appropriate screening and breast
  627. 24:24awareness in older adults.
  628. 24:26And then cultural beliefs may influence
  629. 24:28attitudes toward towards breast
  630. 24:30examinations, modesty, screening, and
  631. 24:32health care seeking behaviors. So, some
  632. 24:34patients may prefer like a same-gender
  633. 24:37health care provider. Others may have
  634. 24:39concerns related to privacy or body
  635. 24:41exposure or discussing reproductive
  636. 24:43health. So, we're using our culturally
  637. 24:45sensitive communication, we're avoiding
  638. 24:46assumptions, and we're asking our
  639. 24:48patients about their preferences.
  640. 24:54So, after completing the health history,
  641. 24:56we're going to gather objective data
  642. 24:58through inspection and when appropriate
  643. 25:00palpation.
  644. 25:01Um
  645. 25:04So, inspection of the breast is the
  646. 25:06first step of the physical exam. The
  647. 25:08patient should be seated with adequate
  648. 25:09exposure of both breasts. We're
  649. 25:11observing for symmetry in size, contour
  650. 25:13and shape, skin color and condition,
  651. 25:16nipple position and appearance, visible
  652. 25:18masses or swelling.
  653. 25:23We want them to raise both arms
  654. 25:25overhead, press our hands against hips,
  655. 25:28lean forward if able. So, these position
  656. 25:31changes may reveal dimpling or
  657. 25:34retraction caused by underlying lesions.
  658. 25:37Um a complete breast exam includes a
  659. 25:39health history, inspection, palpation of
  660. 25:42the breast tissue, palpation of regional
  661. 25:44lymph nodes, partic- particularly those
  662. 25:47axillary nodes. And during palpation,
  663. 25:49we're using the finger pads of the
  664. 25:51middle three fingers with light to
  665. 25:52moderate and then deep pressure. And
  666. 25:55we're assessing all breast tissue
  667. 25:57including the tail of Spence extending
  668. 25:59into the axilla. We're noting any
  669. 26:01masses, tenderness, thickening, or
  670. 26:03abnormalities. If we do identify a mass,
  671. 26:06we're documenting the location, size,
  672. 26:09shape, consistency, if it is mobile
  673. 26:11mobile or immobile,
  674. 26:14uh tenderness and distinctness
  675. 26:17of borders.
  676. 26:18Transillumination, um this is an
  677. 26:20advanced assessment technique. It's
  678. 26:22occasionally used to help distinguish
  679. 26:24between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid
  680. 26:26mass. So, a bright light is placed
  681. 26:28against the tissue in a darkened room.
  682. 26:31Fluid-filled structures may allow light
  683. 26:33to pass through more readily, whereas
  684. 26:35solid masses generally do not.
  685. 26:37Um transillumination is not commonly
  686. 26:39used during a routine clinical practice
  687. 26:41um
  688. 26:42because it more accurate imagery imaging
  689. 26:45uh modalities are available.
  690. 26:48And then, diagnostic imaging and
  691. 26:50procedures. So, mammography, this uses
  692. 26:52low-dose x-rays to evaluate breast
  693. 26:54tissue. It's considered the primary
  694. 26:56screening tool for early detection of
  695. 26:58breast cancer.
  696. 26:59Um then we have breast ultrasound. It's
  697. 27:02often used to further evaluate findings
  698. 27:04identified on physical exam or
  699. 27:06mammography.
  700. 27:08Um it's particularly useful for
  701. 27:10distinguishing fluid-filled masses um
  702. 27:13from solid ones.
  703. 27:16And then MRI, this is going to provide
  704. 27:18us highly detailed imaging of breast
  705. 27:20tissue. It's often used for high-risk
  706. 27:22patients, further evaluation of
  707. 27:24suspicious findings, and assessment of
  708. 27:26implant integrity.
  709. 27:29And then aspiration or biopsy, sometimes
  710. 27:32fine fine needle aspiration may be used
  711. 27:34to remove fluid from a cyst or obtain
  712. 27:37cells for analysis. Uh core needle
  713. 27:39biopsy, this obtains a tissue sample for
  714. 27:43definitive diagnosis if we're looking
  715. 27:45for breast cancer. Um but biopsy remains
  716. 27:47the gold standard for determining
  717. 27:49whether a suspicious lesion is benign or
  718. 27:52malignant.
  719. 27:54Equipment needed, ruler marked in
  720. 27:58centimeters. So, a centimeter ruler is
  721. 28:00used when measuring palpable masses or
  722. 28:02lesions.
  723. 28:03Um accurate measurements is going to
  724. 28:04allow for precise documentation and
  725. 28:07comparison over time.
  726. 28:10A small pillow or folded towel is placed
  727. 28:13under the shoulder on the side being
  728. 28:15examined when the patient is supine, and
  729. 28:18this helps flatten the breast tissue
  730. 28:19against the chest wall,
  731. 28:21making palpation more effective and
  732. 28:23comfortable.
  733. 28:24And then patient education materials,
  734. 28:26educational pamphlets or handouts may be
  735. 28:29provided to reinforce our teaching about
  736. 28:31breast self-awareness, screening
  737. 28:33recommendations, and follow-up care.
  738. 28:35Gloves, of course, should always be
  739. 28:37using standard precautions.
  740. 28:39Um
  741. 28:41adequate lighting, essential for
  742. 28:44inspection.
  743. 28:47And then patient preparation. We're
  744. 28:48explaining this procedure to our
  745. 28:50patient. We're getting consent. We're
  746. 28:52using clear communication.
  747. 28:55Um
  748. 28:56we're providing privacy.
  749. 28:59Exposing only the area being examined,
  750. 29:02using gowns and drapes appropriately.
  751. 29:05We want to try to just create a
  752. 29:07comfortable environment that improves
  753. 29:08the quality of the examination because
  754. 29:10the patient is feeling less anxious.
  755. 29:14And considering the timing within the
  756. 29:15menstrual cycle, so hormonal
  757. 29:17fluctuations are going to affect breast
  758. 29:19tissue.
  759. 29:20Um so for menstruating individuals,
  760. 29:22breast exams are ideally performed 5 to
  761. 29:247 days after menstruation begins.
  762. 29:27Um this is when hormonal stimulation and
  763. 29:29breast tenderness are at their lowest.
  764. 29:31So during this time, breast tissue is
  765. 29:32generally less nodular and easier to
  766. 29:35assess. So if a patient reports a lump,
  767. 29:38uh evaluation we're not going to delay
  768. 29:40that at that time
  769. 29:42because of the cycle, but ideally um the
  770. 29:45timing that I just spoke about is
  771. 29:48is helpful.
  772. 29:57So the comprehensive breast assessment
  773. 29:59is included both inspection and
  774. 30:01palpation. So
  775. 30:09breasts exposed to female hormones, um
  776. 30:13we'll start with inspection. So we're
  777. 30:14beginning with the patient seated and
  778. 30:16adequately draped. We're inspecting both
  779. 30:19breasts again for symmetry, size, and
  780. 30:21contour, skin color and condition, any
  781. 30:24visible masses or swelling, nipple
  782. 30:26position and appearance. And we're
  783. 30:28observing the breasts in several several
  784. 30:30positions. Again, arms relaxed at the
  785. 30:32side, arms raised overhead, hands
  786. 30:35pressed against the hips, leaning
  787. 30:37forward if able. So these position
  788. 30:40changes, they're going to reveal
  789. 30:42subtle dimpling, retraction, or fixation
  790. 30:44of underlying tissue. And then
  791. 30:46palpation, we're positioning the patient
  792. 30:48supine with a small pillow under the
  793. 30:50shoulder being examined, and the arm
  794. 30:53raised overhead. We're using the finger
  795. 30:55pads of the middle three fingers,
  796. 30:57applying light, moderate, and deep
  797. 30:58pressure. We're palpating using a
  798. 31:00systemic approach.
  799. 31:02Um
  800. 31:05and we're including the entire breast
  801. 31:06tissue, the tail of Spence, and the
  802. 31:08axillary lymph nodes.
  803. 31:10Now, we have breasts to male hormones.
  804. 31:13So, male breast cancer is uncommon, but
  805. 31:15it does occur.
  806. 31:17So, an assessment is
  807. 31:19going to include inspection and
  808. 31:21palpation of the breast tissue and
  809. 31:22axillary lymph nodes. We're inspecting
  810. 31:25for enlargement, skin changes, nipple
  811. 31:27discharge, masses. We're palpating
  812. 31:29beneath the nipple and surrounding
  813. 31:31tissues for any nodules, firm masses,
  814. 31:33tenderness.
  815. 31:34And then gynecomastia, this refers to
  816. 31:36benign enlargement of male breast
  817. 31:38tissue. It may occur during puberty,
  818. 31:41aging, obesity, hormonal disorders,
  819. 31:44liver disease, or some medications.
  820. 31:48Um
  821. 31:48So, we're differentiating diffuse
  822. 31:50enlargement from a discrete suspicious
  823. 31:52mass in that case.
  824. 31:56And then additional techniques, we have
  825. 31:57bimanual technique. This may be useful
  826. 31:59for examining large breasts. So, one
  827. 32:02hand is supporting the breast while the
  828. 32:03other palpates the tissue between both
  829. 32:05hands. Um this technique may help
  830. 32:08identify deep masses that are difficult
  831. 32:10to um palpate with standard palpation.
  832. 32:17And then lastly, we're making clinical
  833. 32:19decisions, right? So, after assessment
  834. 32:22findings are identified, we're going to
  835. 32:24interpret and communicate significance
  836. 32:26of any diagnostic testing, including
  837. 32:29mammography,
  838. 32:31um ultrasound, potentially MRI, or
  839. 32:35biopsies.
  840. 32:38We're using our clinical judgment. So,
  841. 32:40what does the test result mean for this
  842. 32:42particular patient um
  843. 32:45along with our assessment findings,
  844. 32:46their risk factors, and the patient's
  845. 32:48concerns. And then we're prioritizing
  846. 32:51our hypothesis of what's going on, and
  847. 32:53we're taking action. Um so, priority
  848. 32:56findings, maybe this is a new breast
  849. 32:58mass, maybe they have bloody nipple
  850. 32:59discharge or skin dimpling, a new nipple
  851. 33:02retraction, um etc. So, we're
  852. 33:05determining the next steps. Um are we
  853. 33:07notifying the provider? Are we um
  854. 33:10potentially thinking additional
  855. 33:12diagnostic testing is needed? Are we
  856. 33:14providing patient education? Are we
  857. 33:17referring to any specialists?
  858. 33:19And then we're analyzing changing
  859. 33:21findings. Um ongoing assessment is going
  860. 33:24to be essential. We're comparing our
  861. 33:25current findings with the previous
  862. 33:27documentation.
  863. 33:29Um we're asking, has the mass changed in
  864. 33:32size? Is pain improving or is it
  865. 33:34worsening? Have skin changes progressed?
  866. 33:36Is the treatment effective?
  867. 33:39Um and then maybe we're collaborating
  868. 33:43interprofessionally
  869. 33:44um with primary care providers or
  870. 33:47women's health specialists,
  871. 33:49radiologists, surgeons, oncologists,
  872. 33:53genetic counseling, um maybe
  873. 33:55psychosocial support is necessary, um
  874. 33:57because a new breast cancer diagnosis is
  875. 34:00definitely going to create anxiety,
  876. 34:03fear, maybe financial concerns or
  877. 34:05transportation challenges, treatment
  878. 34:08barriers. So, you know, gathering all of
  879. 34:11all the people we need, maybe social
  880. 34:13work and community resources may maybe
  881. 34:15involved.
  882. 34:17Coming up with a plan of care, um
  883. 34:20definitely basing it individually on our
  884. 34:23assessment findings and the patient's
  885. 34:24needs.
  886. 34:26Health promotion. We are always talking
  887. 34:30to our patients about breast
  888. 34:31self-awareness, education, screening
  889. 34:34recommendations, lifestyle
  890. 34:35modifications. Um
  891. 34:37if they have any acute concerns, what
  892. 34:39that might look like.
  893. 34:42And we're finally evaluating the
  894. 34:45outcomes to determine whether our
  895. 34:47interventions were effective or not.
  896. 34:55And that is it for today.
  897. 34:57I hope you have a wonderful day.
  898. 35:00And I'll see you in class.

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