Breast and Female Genitalia Assessment — Transcript
Full transcript
- 0:00Hello. So, we're moving on to discuss
- 0:05assessment of the breasts, axilla, and
- 0:08female genitalia.
- 0:10And so, these assessments are really
- 0:12important components of a comprehensive
- 0:14health exam, and they play a critical
- 0:16role in health promotion, early
- 0:18detection of disease, and patient
- 0:20education.
- 0:22And again, many patients are going to
- 0:23feel anxious, embarrassed, or vulnerable
- 0:26during these assessments, so it's
- 0:27essential that we establish trust,
- 0:30maintain professionalism, explain each
- 0:32step of the exam, and provide privacy
- 0:34and dignity throughout the assessment
- 0:36process.
- 0:37So, we're going to review relevant
- 0:40anatomy and physiology, subjective and
- 0:42objective assessment techniques, and
- 0:44age-related
- 0:46considerations, health promotion
- 0:48strategies, and then common common
- 0:50abnormal findings that may require
- 0:51further evaluation. So, by the end of
- 0:54this presentation, you should be able to
- 0:55identify normal and abnormal assessment
- 0:57findings, and understand the nursing
- 0:59implications of those findings.
- 1:04Along with these learning objectives,
- 1:10So, before performing a female genital
- 1:12assessment, it's important to explain
- 1:14the procedure and obtain informed
- 1:16consent. You're again going to provide
- 1:18privacy, and we're going to use a
- 1:20trauma-informed approach. And many
- 1:22patients are going to feel anxious or
- 1:24embarrassed during this exam, so
- 1:26maintaining dignity and professionalism,
- 1:29as well as communication, is essential
- 1:30throughout.
- 1:32So, we have some structures here I'm
- 1:34going to highlight. So, we have the
- 1:36labia majora,
- 1:38which are the larger outer folds of the
- 1:40skin that provide protection for the
- 1:42underlying structures. And inside these
- 1:45are the labia minora, which are thinner
- 1:48folds that surround the vestibule. It's
- 1:50important to recognize that significant
- 1:52variation in size, shape, color, and
- 1:55symmetry of the labia is normal.
- 1:58Then we have the urinary meatus is the
- 2:00opening of the urethra. It's located
- 2:02between the clitoris and the vaginal
- 2:05opening.
- 2:06During assessment, nurses should observe
- 2:08for redness, swelling, discharge, and
- 2:11signs of irritation.
- 2:14Then we have the perineum, which is the
- 2:17area between the vaginal opening and the
- 2:19anus. And so assessment of this area is
- 2:22particularly important following
- 2:24childbirth, surgery, trauma, or when
- 2:27evaluating skin integrity.
- 2:29And finally, the anus should be expected
- 2:31or inspected for skin integrity,
- 2:34hemorrhoids, lesions, fissures, or any
- 2:37signs of infection.
- 2:39And we're when we're assessing the
- 2:40external genitalia, we should inspect
- 2:43for color and pigmentation, symmetry,
- 2:47hair distribution, any lesions, ulcers,
- 2:50or masses, swelling or edema, discharge,
- 2:53and signs of infection or trauma.
- 2:56Normal findings include intact skin,
- 2:58absence of lesions, no unusual
- 3:00discharge, and structures that are free
- 3:02of tenderness, swelling, or
- 3:04inflammation. And remember that normal
- 3:06appearance varies greatly among
- 3:08individuals based on age, hormonal
- 3:11status, childbirth birth history,
- 3:14ethnicity, and individual anatomy.
- 3:17So, the goal is to identify
- 3:18abnormalities while also respecting
- 3:20normal anatomical variation.
- 3:26So, this slide illustrates the major
- 3:28internal reproductive organs and their
- 3:30relationship to surrounding structures.
- 3:32So, the vagina is a muscular elastic
- 3:35canal extending from the vaginal opening
- 3:38to the cervix, and it serves as a
- 3:40passageway for menstrual flow, sexual
- 3:42intercourse, and childbirth. And the
- 3:45vaginal walls are normally pink, moist,
- 3:47and free of lesions. And at the upper
- 3:49end of the vagina is a cervix, which is
- 3:51the lower portion of the uterus. And the
- 3:54cervix contains the cervical canal
- 3:57connecting the uterus to the vagina.
- 3:59And during a pelvic exam, the cervix is
- 4:02assessed for color, position, lesions,
- 4:05discharge, and abnormalities.
- 4:08The uterus is a hollow muscular organ.
- 4:10It's located between the bladder and
- 4:12rectum. It's primary function is to
- 4:14support fetal development during
- 4:17pregnancy. The upper rounded portion is
- 4:20called the fundus, while the main body
- 4:22is referred to as the corpus. Uh the
- 4:25uterine wall contains three layers. We
- 4:28have the endometrium,
- 4:30which thickens and sheds during
- 4:32menstruation, myometrium, which is the
- 4:35thick muscular layer responsible for
- 4:37uterine
- 4:38contractions, and the perimetrium, which
- 4:42is the outer protective layer.
- 4:45Um so, extending laterally from the
- 4:47uterus are the fallopian tubes, which
- 4:49transport ova from the ovaries toward
- 4:52the uterus.
- 4:54Um and then fertilization most commonly
- 4:57occurs within the fallopian tube.
- 5:00The ovaries are paired reproductive
- 5:02organs that produce that ova and secrete
- 5:04hormones, including estrogen and
- 5:06progesterone.
- 5:08And although the ovaries are important
- 5:10structures, they are often difficult to
- 5:12palpate during a routine exam, um
- 5:14especially in postmenopausal
- 5:16individuals. But notice the close
- 5:18relationship between the reproductive
- 5:20organs and neighboring structures, such
- 5:22as the bladder, urethra, ureters, and
- 5:24rectum. So, understanding this anatomy
- 5:27helps explain symptoms such as urinary
- 5:29frequency, pelvic pressure,
- 5:31constipation, or pain that may occur
- 5:34within reproductive conditions.
- 5:37And during a comprehensive pelvic exam,
- 5:39health care providers may evaluate the
- 5:41cervix, uterus, and ovaries through a
- 5:43speculum and bimanual examinations.
- 5:47So, as nurses, important to understand
- 5:49the purpose of these assessments, assist
- 5:51with patient positioning and comfort,
- 5:53and then recognizing normal versus
- 5:55abnormal findings.
- 6:00So, to understand the female
- 6:01reproductive health, it's important to
- 6:03understand the hormonal feedback system
- 6:05that regulates the menstrual menstrual
- 6:07cycle and reproductive function. Um this
- 6:10process involves communication between
- 6:12the hypothalamus,
- 6:14anterior pituitary gland, and ovaries.
- 6:17It's often referred to as the
- 6:19hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis, or
- 6:22HPO for short. Uh the process begins
- 6:26with the hypothalamus, which secretes uh
- 6:29gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
- 6:32Gonadotropin, sorry. And this stimulates
- 6:35the anterior pituitary gland to release
- 6:37two important hormones. So, we have
- 6:39follicle-stimulating hormone and
- 6:42luteinizing hormone. Uh
- 6:44follicle-stimulating hormone primarily
- 6:46stimulates the growth and maturation of
- 6:48ovarian follicles. And as follicles
- 6:51mature, they begin producing estrogen.
- 6:54Um and then we have luteinizing hormone,
- 6:56which works alongside uh
- 6:58the follicle-stimulating hormone, but it
- 7:01plays a particularly important role in
- 7:04triggering ovulation. So, a surge in
- 7:07luteinizing hormone can cause the mature
- 7:09follicle to release an ovum, which is
- 7:12the process we know as ovulation.
- 7:16And the ovaries respond to those
- 7:18hormones by producing the hormones
- 7:21estrogen and progesterone. And estrogen
- 7:24is responsible for development of female
- 7:26secondary sex characteristics,
- 7:28growth and thickening of the endometrium
- 7:31during the first half of the menstrual
- 7:33cycle, and regulation of the menstrual
- 7:36cycle through feedback mechanisms.
- 7:39Progesterone becomes the dominant
- 7:40hormone after ovulation. Its primary
- 7:42role is to prepare and maintain the
- 7:44endometrium for possible implantation of
- 7:48a fertilized egg.
- 7:49But if fertilization does not occur,
- 7:51estrogen and progesterone levels are
- 7:53going to decline, which causes the
- 7:55endometrium [clears throat] lining to
- 7:56shed and results in menstruation.
- 7:59So the system functions through a
- 8:02delicate balance of positive and
- 8:04negative feedback loops. And any
- 8:06disruptions anywhere along the pathway
- 8:08can lead to menstrual
- 8:11irregularities,
- 8:12infertility, or hormone hormonal
- 8:15disorders.
- 8:16So very sensitive.
- 8:21Let's move on to breast exam. So before
- 8:24performing a breast assessment and exam,
- 8:27it's important to understand the
- 8:28underlying anatomy. So knowledge of
- 8:30breast structures helps us distinguish
- 8:33normal findings from abnormalities, and
- 8:35it helps us understand how disease
- 8:37processes affect the breast. So let's
- 8:40review the major structure shown on the
- 8:41slide. We have the nipple, which is
- 8:43located near the center of the breast.
- 8:45And during assessment, we observe the
- 8:47nipples for symmetry, position,
- 8:49inversion, discharge, scaling, or
- 8:52lesions. Surrounding the nipple is the
- 8:55areola, the pigmented area of skin.
- 8:59We're are looking at color and size,
- 9:01which can vary widely among individuals,
- 9:03and it may change during pregnancy due
- 9:05to hormonal influences.
- 9:08And within the areola, these are we have
- 9:10small sebaceous glands called Montgomery
- 9:13glands. And these glands secrete an oily
- 9:16substance that lubricates and protects
- 9:18the nipple, particularly during
- 9:20breastfeeding.
- 9:22And then small raised bumps in this area
- 9:24are also a normal finding.
- 9:27And the breast is supported by fibrous
- 9:29connective tissue, including Cooper's
- 9:31ligaments. And these ligaments help
- 9:32maintain breast shape and structure.
- 9:35When breast cancer invades ligaments,
- 9:38uh, we may sometimes see dimpling or
- 9:41retraction of the skin.
- 9:44The glandular tissue, this is
- 9:46responsible for milk production
- 9:47production and transport. This tissue
- 9:50consists of lobes, lobules, and ducts
- 9:52that converge towards the nipple.
- 9:55Uh, much of the breast nodularity comes
- 9:58from normal glandular tissue,
- 10:00particularly in young women.
- 10:02And within the glandular tissue are
- 10:05these acini which are the milk-producing
- 10:07cells. Uh, during pregnancy and
- 10:09lactation, hormonal stimulation causes
- 10:12these cells to enlarge and become active
- 10:14in milk product milk production.
- 10:17The breast also contains a rich network
- 10:20of arteries and veins, which provide
- 10:22blood supply and support lactation.
- 10:25Increased vascularity may become visible
- 10:27during pregnancy and breastfeeding. And
- 10:29one of the most clinically important
- 10:31structures shown on the slide is the
- 10:32lymphatic system. So, approximately 75%
- 10:36of breast lymphatic drainage occurs
- 10:39through the axillary lymph nodes.
- 10:41Uh, the remaining drainage occurs
- 10:43through internal mammary and other
- 10:45regional lymph nodes.
- 10:48Uh, this lymphatic drainage pattern is
- 10:51important because breast cancer often
- 10:53spreads first through the lymphatic
- 10:55system. So, for this reason, axillary
- 10:58lymph node assessment is routine part of
- 11:01every breast examination. Make sense?
- 11:07So, to accurately communicate breast
- 11:09assessment findings, health care
- 11:11providers use standardized breast
- 11:13landmarks. And these landmarks allow
- 11:15clinicians to precisely describe the
- 11:18location of masses, tenderness, skin
- 11:20changes, or other abnormalities, and
- 11:22ensure clear communication among members
- 11:24of the health care team. So, there are
- 11:26two common methods used to describe
- 11:28breast findings. The first method
- 11:30divides the breast into four quadrants.
- 11:33We have upper outer, upper inner, lower
- 11:36outer, and lower inner quadrants. And an
- 11:39additional area called the tail of
- 11:41Spence, this extends from the upper
- 11:44outer quadrant into the axilla.
- 11:46Uh
- 11:46>> [snorts]
- 11:46>> this region contains breast tissue and
- 11:48lymphatic structures and it's clinically
- 11:50important because
- 11:52um
- 11:52like we said, many breast cancers
- 11:54develop in this area. So, therefore,
- 11:55assessment of the tail of Spence and
- 11:58axillary lymph nodes should always be
- 12:00included during a breast examination.
- 12:03The second method uses the face of a
- 12:05clock. So, in this system, the nipple
- 12:07serves as the center of the clock. The
- 12:09findings are described by their clock
- 12:11position and distance from the nipple.
- 12:12For example, a nurse might document a 1
- 12:16cm firm mobile mass located at the 2:00
- 12:20position, 3 cm from the nipple. Or
- 12:23tenderness noted in the lower outer
- 12:26quadrant of the left breast. So, using
- 12:28consistent landmarks is going to help us
- 12:30improve documentation accuracy and allow
- 12:33providers to compare findings over time.
- 12:39So, one of the most important roles of
- 12:40the nurse during a breast assessment is
- 12:43recognizing findings that require prompt
- 12:45follow-up and further evaluation. So,
- 12:48patients present with a variety of
- 12:49breast concerns including trauma,
- 12:51infection, pain, masses, or nipple
- 12:53discharge. And while many breast
- 12:55conditions are benign, it's important to
- 12:57remember that breast cancer can
- 12:58sometimes mimic inflammatory or
- 13:01infectious conditions making careful
- 13:03assessment really essential. So, common
- 13:05findings that should prompt additional
- 13:07investigation, a new lump or mass, it's
- 13:11one of the most significant findings.
- 13:13Although many breast masses are benign,
- 13:16any new mass should be further evaluated
- 13:18particularly if it's firm, fixed,
- 13:21irregular, or persists after menstrual
- 13:23cycle.
- 13:24Breast swelling or asymmetrical
- 13:26enlargement, this may indicate
- 13:28infection, inflammation, trauma, or
- 13:31malignancy. So, changes in the skin,
- 13:33such as dimpling as well, puckering, or
- 13:35irritation, these are concerning. Again,
- 13:38we talked about how they may indicate
- 13:39involvement of the underlying connective
- 13:41tissue and lymph nodes.
- 13:43Um dimpling occurs when a lesion pulls
- 13:46on those Cooper's ligaments,
- 13:49um which creates that indentation in the
- 13:51skin.
- 13:53Breast pain, this is often associated
- 13:55with benign as well, um but persistent
- 13:58localized breast or nipple pain warrants
- 14:01further assessment, especially when
- 14:02accompanied by other abnormal findings.
- 14:06Nipple retraction is another important
- 14:08finding, although some individuals have
- 14:09lifelong inverted nipples, a newly
- 14:12retracted nipple should always be
- 14:13evaluated because it may result from an
- 14:15underlying mass pulling on the breast
- 14:17tissue.
- 14:19Any changes involving the nipple or
- 14:21breast skin, including redness, scaling,
- 14:23crusting, thickening, or ulceration may
- 14:25indicate inflammatory conditions,
- 14:27infection,
- 14:29or less commonly malignancy.
- 14:32Um finally, nipple discharge should
- 14:34always be assessed carefully. Important
- 14:36questions include, is the discharge
- 14:38spontaneous or is it expressed? Is it
- 14:41unilateral or bilateral?
- 14:44What color is it? Is it bloody, serous,
- 14:46milky, or purulent?
- 14:48Um spontaneous unilateral bloody
- 14:51discharge is particularly concerning and
- 14:53it requires prompt evaluation.
- 14:58So, before beginning the physical exam,
- 15:00it's important to gather a thorough
- 15:02health history, as we know. Um the
- 15:04subjective assessment is often going to
- 15:06provide us valuable information that's
- 15:08going to guide the physical exam and it
- 15:10help us identify risk factors for breast
- 15:12disease.
- 15:13Um so, breast discomfort, masses, or
- 15:16nipple discharge, we want to ask the
- 15:18patient about any breast pain,
- 15:20tenderness, lumps, or changes they have
- 15:22noticed. If pain is present, we're
- 15:24assessing the location, duration,
- 15:26severity, and relationship to the
- 15:28menstrual cycle.
- 15:30Um for nipple discharge, we're
- 15:31determining whether it again,
- 15:32spontaneous or expressed, unilateral or
- 15:35bilateral, noting the color and
- 15:37consistency.
- 15:40Any history of breast surgeries, we want
- 15:42to ask about previous breast surgeries
- 15:43including biopsies, lumpectomies,
- 15:46mastectomies, breast augmentation, or
- 15:49reduction procedures. Um surgical
- 15:51history may alter breast anatomy and
- 15:53affect assessment findings.
- 15:56Menstrual, pregnancy, and lactation
- 15:58history, so those hormonal hormonal
- 16:00fluctuations throughout life include
- 16:02breast or influence breast tissue. So
- 16:05we're asking about age of um
- 16:08menarche, which is
- 16:10the start of um
- 16:13a young woman's period, menopausal
- 16:16status, pregnancies, breastfeeding
- 16:18history, and current menstruation
- 16:20patterns.
- 16:22Any breast changes associated with
- 16:24pregnancy and lactation, these are often
- 16:26normal, but should also be assessed.
- 16:29Hormone replacement therapy and hormonal
- 16:31contraceptives, we're determining
- 16:33whether the patient currently uses or
- 16:34has previously used hormonal replacement
- 16:36therapy or hormonal contraceptives.
- 16:40Exogenous hormones can influence breast
- 16:42tissue density, and they may affect
- 16:44breast cancer risk.
- 16:47Personal history of breast trauma and
- 16:48self-care behaviors, we want to ask
- 16:50about any recent breast injury, trauma,
- 16:53which can cause pain, bruising, or fat
- 16:54necrosit or fat necrosis that may mimic
- 16:57a mass. We want to assess health
- 17:00promotion behaviors such as breast
- 17:02self-awareness, um routine screening,
- 17:04and uh mammography adherence.
- 17:10Family history, this is a significant
- 17:12risk factor for breast cancer. We want
- 17:13to ask about first-degree relatives with
- 17:16breast, ovarian, or related cancers and
- 17:19determine whether the patient or family
- 17:21members have tested positive for the
- 17:23BRCA 1 and 2 gene mutations, which
- 17:27substantially increase breast and
- 17:29ovarian cancer risk.
- 17:35Um assessment risk factors.
- 17:38So, we're asking about past medical
- 17:40history, any previous breast conditions
- 17:44such as cysts, fibroadenomas, atypical
- 17:47hyperplasia, or breast cancer. We're
- 17:49discussing reproductive history
- 17:51including age um that they started
- 17:55um having a period and menopause
- 17:58as prolonged lifetime exposure to
- 18:01estrogen may increase increase breast
- 18:03cancer risk. So, the younger you were
- 18:06getting uh your period,
- 18:09um the more
- 18:11increased breast cancer risk you you
- 18:13could have.
- 18:17Um
- 18:19we also want to determine whether the
- 18:20patient has undergone chest radiation
- 18:22therapy, particularly at a young age.
- 18:24This increases future breast cancer
- 18:26risk.
- 18:28And then lifestyle and personal habits,
- 18:29we're assessing alcohol consumption as
- 18:31increased alcohol intake is associated
- 18:34with higher risk of breast cancer. We
- 18:36want to discuss physical activity
- 18:38levels, weight management, and dietary
- 18:40habits, evaluate tobacco use and
- 18:42exposure to environmental risk factors,
- 18:45encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors
- 18:47that support overall breast health and
- 18:49reduce cancer risk.
- 18:52Medications, we want to review any
- 18:53current and past use of hormonal
- 18:56replacement therapy and hormonal
- 18:57contraceptives. We want to ask about
- 19:00medications that may affect hormone
- 19:01levels or cause breast changes and
- 19:04determine whether the patient has
- 19:05noticed breast symptoms associated with
- 19:07medication use.
- 19:09And then finally, obtain a detailed
- 19:11family history, especially again among
- 19:13first-degree relatives such as parents,
- 19:16siblings, and children. We want to ask
- 19:18about breast cancer, ovarian cancer,
- 19:20prostate, pancreatic, and known genetic
- 19:23mutations.
- 19:25And determine whether any family members
- 19:27have tested positive again for the BRCA1
- 19:29and BRCA2 mutations.
- 19:36So, one of our
- 19:37>> [sighs]
- 19:37>> most important roles is promoting breast
- 19:39health through education, risk
- 19:41reduction, and early detective detection
- 19:44strategies.
- 19:46Um so, breastfeeding promotion. Um
- 19:48national and global health initiatives
- 19:50continue to promote breastfeeding
- 19:52because of its health benefits for both
- 19:54infants and mothers. So, breastfeeding
- 19:57provides optimal nutrition, supports
- 19:58infant immune function, and promotes
- 20:01maternal-infant bonding. So, for
- 20:03mothers, breastfeeding has been
- 20:04associated with a reduced risk of breast
- 20:06and ovarian cancers. And so, we can
- 20:09support breastfeeding by providing
- 20:10education, encouragement, and referrals
- 20:13to lactation resources when needed.
- 20:16Genetic counseling for individuals at
- 20:19increased risk. So, patients with a
- 20:20strong family history um may benefit
- 20:23from genetic counseling, which helps
- 20:25individuals understand their personal
- 20:26cancer risk and determine whether
- 20:29genetic testing may be appropriate.
- 20:32Reducing breast cancer mortality. So,
- 20:34early detection remains one of the most
- 20:36effective ways to reduce breast cancer
- 20:38deaths.
- 20:39Um we should encourage adherence to
- 20:41age-appropriate screening
- 20:42recommendations including mammography
- 20:45and clinical follow-up when
- 20:47abnormalities are identified.
- 20:50Um we should focus on recognizing breast
- 20:52changes and promptly reporting concerns
- 20:55to their health care provider. And then,
- 20:57teaching self um breast examination.
- 21:02Historically, women were routinely
- 21:03taught to perform monthly self breast
- 21:05examinations, but current evidence
- 21:08doesn't demonstrate that routine monthly
- 21:11um breast examinations alone reduces
- 21:13breast cancer mortality. So, many
- 21:15organizations no longer recommend that.
- 21:19Instead, [clears throat] they're
- 21:19emphasizing a strict monthly exam.
- 21:22Um
- 21:24current current
- 21:26Oh my god. Instead of that strict
- 21:28monthly exam, current recommendations
- 21:30are focusing on breast self-awareness.
- 21:33So, that means becoming really familiar
- 21:35with the normal appearance and feel of
- 21:37one's breasts and promptly reporting any
- 21:39changes.
- 21:47So, patients seek breast health care for
- 21:50a variety of reasons, and as nurses, we
- 21:52must recognize common symptoms,
- 21:54understand age-related changes, and
- 21:55provide culturally sensitive care. Um
- 21:59So, common symptoms that um patients
- 22:02might come in with, breast pain. This is
- 22:05common a common complaint, and it's
- 22:07often benign. The pain may be uh
- 22:10cyclical. It could occur with hormonal
- 22:12changes during the menstrual cycle or
- 22:14non-cyclical.
- 22:16Um so, we're assessing the location,
- 22:17duration, severity, and relationship to
- 22:19menstruation.
- 22:21So, although breast pain alone is rarely
- 22:23associated with cancer, persistent or
- 22:26localized pain should be evaluated.
- 22:29Rash, we're assessing the skin for
- 22:30redness, scaling, crusting, or
- 22:32irritation. Uh rashes may result from
- 22:34dermatitis, fungal infections, allergic
- 22:37reactions, or inflammatory conditions.
- 22:41Lumps, like we talked about, most breast
- 22:45masses are benign, but any new masses
- 22:47should be assessed carefully.
- 22:49Swelling, breast swelling may occur
- 22:51during um hormonal changes, could be an
- 22:54infection, trauma, pregnancy, or
- 22:56malignancy. So, we're comparing both
- 22:58breasts for symmetry and changes in
- 23:00contour.
- 23:02Nipple discharge, we're asking whether
- 23:04the discharge is again spontaneous or
- 23:06expressed, unilateral or bilateral, and
- 23:09noting the color.
- 23:11Trauma, any breast trauma can result in
- 23:13bruising, tenderness, swelling, or fat
- 23:15necrosis. So, obtaining details
- 23:17regarding the mechanism and timing of
- 23:19the injury.
- 23:22Special populations like in pregnancy,
- 23:24there are significant breast changes
- 23:26that occur
- 23:27um because of those hormonal influences.
- 23:29So, the breast typically enlarge, um
- 23:32become more vascular, and may develop
- 23:33prominent veins. The areola may darken,
- 23:37Montgomery glands become more
- 23:39noticeable, colostrum production may
- 23:42begin before delivery.
- 23:45Adolescence, um so breast development is
- 23:47a normal part of puberty. So, temporary
- 23:50asymmetry between breasts is common
- 23:52during this phase of life. Um breast
- 23:55buds may be tender during development.
- 23:57So, education should focus on normal
- 24:00growth patterns and body image for
- 24:02adolescents.
- 24:03Older adults, aging results in decreased
- 24:06glandular tissue and increased fatty
- 24:08tissue. So, breasts may become less firm
- 24:10and more
- 24:12um
- 24:13pendulous due to decreased elasticity.
- 24:17So, the nipples may flatten, the skin
- 24:18may become thinner.
- 24:20Um so, we're continuing to encourage
- 24:22age-appropriate screening and breast
- 24:24awareness in older adults.
- 24:26And then cultural beliefs may influence
- 24:28attitudes toward towards breast
- 24:30examinations, modesty, screening, and
- 24:32health care seeking behaviors. So, some
- 24:34patients may prefer like a same-gender
- 24:37health care provider. Others may have
- 24:39concerns related to privacy or body
- 24:41exposure or discussing reproductive
- 24:43health. So, we're using our culturally
- 24:45sensitive communication, we're avoiding
- 24:46assumptions, and we're asking our
- 24:48patients about their preferences.
- 24:54So, after completing the health history,
- 24:56we're going to gather objective data
- 24:58through inspection and when appropriate
- 25:00palpation.
- 25:01Um
- 25:04So, inspection of the breast is the
- 25:06first step of the physical exam. The
- 25:08patient should be seated with adequate
- 25:09exposure of both breasts. We're
- 25:11observing for symmetry in size, contour
- 25:13and shape, skin color and condition,
- 25:16nipple position and appearance, visible
- 25:18masses or swelling.
- 25:23We want them to raise both arms
- 25:25overhead, press our hands against hips,
- 25:28lean forward if able. So, these position
- 25:31changes may reveal dimpling or
- 25:34retraction caused by underlying lesions.
- 25:37Um a complete breast exam includes a
- 25:39health history, inspection, palpation of
- 25:42the breast tissue, palpation of regional
- 25:44lymph nodes, partic- particularly those
- 25:47axillary nodes. And during palpation,
- 25:49we're using the finger pads of the
- 25:51middle three fingers with light to
- 25:52moderate and then deep pressure. And
- 25:55we're assessing all breast tissue
- 25:57including the tail of Spence extending
- 25:59into the axilla. We're noting any
- 26:01masses, tenderness, thickening, or
- 26:03abnormalities. If we do identify a mass,
- 26:06we're documenting the location, size,
- 26:09shape, consistency, if it is mobile
- 26:11mobile or immobile,
- 26:14uh tenderness and distinctness
- 26:17of borders.
- 26:18Transillumination, um this is an
- 26:20advanced assessment technique. It's
- 26:22occasionally used to help distinguish
- 26:24between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid
- 26:26mass. So, a bright light is placed
- 26:28against the tissue in a darkened room.
- 26:31Fluid-filled structures may allow light
- 26:33to pass through more readily, whereas
- 26:35solid masses generally do not.
- 26:37Um transillumination is not commonly
- 26:39used during a routine clinical practice
- 26:41um
- 26:42because it more accurate imagery imaging
- 26:45uh modalities are available.
- 26:48And then, diagnostic imaging and
- 26:50procedures. So, mammography, this uses
- 26:52low-dose x-rays to evaluate breast
- 26:54tissue. It's considered the primary
- 26:56screening tool for early detection of
- 26:58breast cancer.
- 26:59Um then we have breast ultrasound. It's
- 27:02often used to further evaluate findings
- 27:04identified on physical exam or
- 27:06mammography.
- 27:08Um it's particularly useful for
- 27:10distinguishing fluid-filled masses um
- 27:13from solid ones.
- 27:16And then MRI, this is going to provide
- 27:18us highly detailed imaging of breast
- 27:20tissue. It's often used for high-risk
- 27:22patients, further evaluation of
- 27:24suspicious findings, and assessment of
- 27:26implant integrity.
- 27:29And then aspiration or biopsy, sometimes
- 27:32fine fine needle aspiration may be used
- 27:34to remove fluid from a cyst or obtain
- 27:37cells for analysis. Uh core needle
- 27:39biopsy, this obtains a tissue sample for
- 27:43definitive diagnosis if we're looking
- 27:45for breast cancer. Um but biopsy remains
- 27:47the gold standard for determining
- 27:49whether a suspicious lesion is benign or
- 27:52malignant.
- 27:54Equipment needed, ruler marked in
- 27:58centimeters. So, a centimeter ruler is
- 28:00used when measuring palpable masses or
- 28:02lesions.
- 28:03Um accurate measurements is going to
- 28:04allow for precise documentation and
- 28:07comparison over time.
- 28:10A small pillow or folded towel is placed
- 28:13under the shoulder on the side being
- 28:15examined when the patient is supine, and
- 28:18this helps flatten the breast tissue
- 28:19against the chest wall,
- 28:21making palpation more effective and
- 28:23comfortable.
- 28:24And then patient education materials,
- 28:26educational pamphlets or handouts may be
- 28:29provided to reinforce our teaching about
- 28:31breast self-awareness, screening
- 28:33recommendations, and follow-up care.
- 28:35Gloves, of course, should always be
- 28:37using standard precautions.
- 28:39Um
- 28:41adequate lighting, essential for
- 28:44inspection.
- 28:47And then patient preparation. We're
- 28:48explaining this procedure to our
- 28:50patient. We're getting consent. We're
- 28:52using clear communication.
- 28:55Um
- 28:56we're providing privacy.
- 28:59Exposing only the area being examined,
- 29:02using gowns and drapes appropriately.
- 29:05We want to try to just create a
- 29:07comfortable environment that improves
- 29:08the quality of the examination because
- 29:10the patient is feeling less anxious.
- 29:14And considering the timing within the
- 29:15menstrual cycle, so hormonal
- 29:17fluctuations are going to affect breast
- 29:19tissue.
- 29:20Um so for menstruating individuals,
- 29:22breast exams are ideally performed 5 to
- 29:247 days after menstruation begins.
- 29:27Um this is when hormonal stimulation and
- 29:29breast tenderness are at their lowest.
- 29:31So during this time, breast tissue is
- 29:32generally less nodular and easier to
- 29:35assess. So if a patient reports a lump,
- 29:38uh evaluation we're not going to delay
- 29:40that at that time
- 29:42because of the cycle, but ideally um the
- 29:45timing that I just spoke about is
- 29:48is helpful.
- 29:57So the comprehensive breast assessment
- 29:59is included both inspection and
- 30:01palpation. So
- 30:09breasts exposed to female hormones, um
- 30:13we'll start with inspection. So we're
- 30:14beginning with the patient seated and
- 30:16adequately draped. We're inspecting both
- 30:19breasts again for symmetry, size, and
- 30:21contour, skin color and condition, any
- 30:24visible masses or swelling, nipple
- 30:26position and appearance. And we're
- 30:28observing the breasts in several several
- 30:30positions. Again, arms relaxed at the
- 30:32side, arms raised overhead, hands
- 30:35pressed against the hips, leaning
- 30:37forward if able. So these position
- 30:40changes, they're going to reveal
- 30:42subtle dimpling, retraction, or fixation
- 30:44of underlying tissue. And then
- 30:46palpation, we're positioning the patient
- 30:48supine with a small pillow under the
- 30:50shoulder being examined, and the arm
- 30:53raised overhead. We're using the finger
- 30:55pads of the middle three fingers,
- 30:57applying light, moderate, and deep
- 30:58pressure. We're palpating using a
- 31:00systemic approach.
- 31:02Um
- 31:05and we're including the entire breast
- 31:06tissue, the tail of Spence, and the
- 31:08axillary lymph nodes.
- 31:10Now, we have breasts to male hormones.
- 31:13So, male breast cancer is uncommon, but
- 31:15it does occur.
- 31:17So, an assessment is
- 31:19going to include inspection and
- 31:21palpation of the breast tissue and
- 31:22axillary lymph nodes. We're inspecting
- 31:25for enlargement, skin changes, nipple
- 31:27discharge, masses. We're palpating
- 31:29beneath the nipple and surrounding
- 31:31tissues for any nodules, firm masses,
- 31:33tenderness.
- 31:34And then gynecomastia, this refers to
- 31:36benign enlargement of male breast
- 31:38tissue. It may occur during puberty,
- 31:41aging, obesity, hormonal disorders,
- 31:44liver disease, or some medications.
- 31:48Um
- 31:48So, we're differentiating diffuse
- 31:50enlargement from a discrete suspicious
- 31:52mass in that case.
- 31:56And then additional techniques, we have
- 31:57bimanual technique. This may be useful
- 31:59for examining large breasts. So, one
- 32:02hand is supporting the breast while the
- 32:03other palpates the tissue between both
- 32:05hands. Um this technique may help
- 32:08identify deep masses that are difficult
- 32:10to um palpate with standard palpation.
- 32:17And then lastly, we're making clinical
- 32:19decisions, right? So, after assessment
- 32:22findings are identified, we're going to
- 32:24interpret and communicate significance
- 32:26of any diagnostic testing, including
- 32:29mammography,
- 32:31um ultrasound, potentially MRI, or
- 32:35biopsies.
- 32:38We're using our clinical judgment. So,
- 32:40what does the test result mean for this
- 32:42particular patient um
- 32:45along with our assessment findings,
- 32:46their risk factors, and the patient's
- 32:48concerns. And then we're prioritizing
- 32:51our hypothesis of what's going on, and
- 32:53we're taking action. Um so, priority
- 32:56findings, maybe this is a new breast
- 32:58mass, maybe they have bloody nipple
- 32:59discharge or skin dimpling, a new nipple
- 33:02retraction, um etc. So, we're
- 33:05determining the next steps. Um are we
- 33:07notifying the provider? Are we um
- 33:10potentially thinking additional
- 33:12diagnostic testing is needed? Are we
- 33:14providing patient education? Are we
- 33:17referring to any specialists?
- 33:19And then we're analyzing changing
- 33:21findings. Um ongoing assessment is going
- 33:24to be essential. We're comparing our
- 33:25current findings with the previous
- 33:27documentation.
- 33:29Um we're asking, has the mass changed in
- 33:32size? Is pain improving or is it
- 33:34worsening? Have skin changes progressed?
- 33:36Is the treatment effective?
- 33:39Um and then maybe we're collaborating
- 33:43interprofessionally
- 33:44um with primary care providers or
- 33:47women's health specialists,
- 33:49radiologists, surgeons, oncologists,
- 33:53genetic counseling, um maybe
- 33:55psychosocial support is necessary, um
- 33:57because a new breast cancer diagnosis is
- 34:00definitely going to create anxiety,
- 34:03fear, maybe financial concerns or
- 34:05transportation challenges, treatment
- 34:08barriers. So, you know, gathering all of
- 34:11all the people we need, maybe social
- 34:13work and community resources may maybe
- 34:15involved.
- 34:17Coming up with a plan of care, um
- 34:20definitely basing it individually on our
- 34:23assessment findings and the patient's
- 34:24needs.
- 34:26Health promotion. We are always talking
- 34:30to our patients about breast
- 34:31self-awareness, education, screening
- 34:34recommendations, lifestyle
- 34:35modifications. Um
- 34:37if they have any acute concerns, what
- 34:39that might look like.
- 34:42And we're finally evaluating the
- 34:45outcomes to determine whether our
- 34:47interventions were effective or not.
- 34:55And that is it for today.
- 34:57I hope you have a wonderful day.
- 35:00And I'll see you in class.
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