A 51-year-old patient with a small immobile breast lump is ...

[renzo156]

A 51-year-old patient with a small immobile breast lump is considering having a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The nurse explains that an advantage to this procedure is that
 
  a. FNA is done in the outpatient clinic and results are available in 1 to 2 days.
  b. only a small incision is needed, resulting in minimal breast pain and scarring.
  c. if the biopsy results are negative, no further diagnostic testing will be needed.
  d. FNA is guided by a mammogram, ensuring that cells are taken from the lesion.

Question 2

The nurse teaching a young women's community service group about breast self-examination (BSE) will include that
 
  a. BSE will reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer.
  b. BSE should be done daily while taking a bath or shower.
  c. annual mammograms should be scheduled in addition to BSE.
  d. performing BSE after the menstrual period is more comfortable.

[javimendoza7]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
FNA is done in outpatient settings and results are available in 24 to 48 hours. No incision is needed. FNA may be guided by ultrasound, but not by mammogram. Because the immobility of the breast lump suggests cancer, further testing will be done if the FNA is negative.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Performing BSE at the end of the menstrual period will reduce the breast tenderness associated with the procedure. The evidence is not clear that BSE reduces mortality from breast cancer. BSE should be done monthly. Annual mammograms are not routinely scheduled for women under age 40, and newer guidelines suggest delaying them until age 50.