A 65-year-old patient remarks that she just cannot believe that ...

[wrbasek0]

A 65-year-old patient remarks that she just cannot believe that her breasts sag so much. She states it must be from a lack of exercise. What explanation should the nurse offer her? After menopause:
 
  a. Only women with large breasts experience sagging.
  b. Sagging is usually due to decreased muscle mass within the breast.
  c. A diet that is high in protein will help maintain muscle mass, which keeps the breasts from sagging.
  d. The glandular and fat tissue atrophies, causing breast size and elasticity to diminish, resulting in breasts that sag.

Question 2

A woman is in the family planning clinic seeking birth control information. She states that her breasts change all month long and that she is worried that this is unusual. What is the nurse's best response? The nurse should tell her that:
 
  a. Continual changes in her breasts are unusual. The breasts of nonpregnant women usually stay pretty much the same all month long.
  b. Breast changes in response to stress are very common and that she should assess her life for stressful events.
  c. Because of the changing hormones during the monthly menstrual cycle, cyclic breast changes are common.
  d. Breast changes normally occur only during pregnancy and that a pregnancy test is needed at this time.

[robbielu01]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
After menopause, the glandular tissue atrophies and is replaced with connective tissue. The fat envelope also atrophies, beginning in the middle years and becoming significant in the eighth and ninth decades of life. These changes decrease breast size and elasticity; consequently, the breasts droop and sag, looking flattened and flabby.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Breasts of the nonpregnant woman change with the ebb and flow of hormones during the monthly menstrual cycle. During the 3 to 4 days before menstruation, the breasts feel full, tight, heavy, and occasionally sore. The breast volume is smallest on days 4 to 7 of the menstrual cycle.

[wrbasek0]

TYSM

[sailorcrescent]

Excellent