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    Examination of The Breast

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    Aufi Filla
    This document provides instructions for examining a patient's breasts. It outlines the equipment needed, which is none as the patient must remove all upper body clothing. It describes inspecting the breasts visually for symmetry, skin changes, nipple position and checking movement with various maneuvers, then palpating the breasts in vertical strips using light to firm pressure to feel all layers of tissue including the axilla. The exam is to be explained to the patient, their questions answered, and reassurance provided that if normal, the exam is complete.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Examination of The Breast

    Uploaded by

    Aufi Filla
    124 views2 pages
    This document provides instructions for examining a patient's breasts. It outlines the equipment needed, which is none as the patient must remove all upper body clothing. It describes inspecting the breasts visually for symmetry, skin changes, nipple position and checking movement with various maneuvers, then palpating the breasts in vertical strips using light to firm pressure to feel all layers of tissue including the axilla. The exam is to be explained to the patient, their questions answered, and reassurance provided that if normal, the exam is complete.

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    Examination of the Breast

    Original Title

    Examination of the Breast

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    This document provides instructions for examining a patient's breasts. It outlines the equipment needed, which is none as the patient must remove all upper body clothing. It describes inspecting the breasts visually for symmetry, skin changes, nipple position and checking movement with various maneuvers, then palpating the breasts in vertical strips using light to firm pressure to feel all layers of tissue including the axilla. The exam is to be explained to the patient, their questions answered, and reassurance provided that if normal, the exam is complete.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    124 views2 pages

    Examination of The Breast

    Uploaded by

    Aufi Filla
    This document provides instructions for examining a patient's breasts. It outlines the equipment needed, which is none as the patient must remove all upper body clothing. It describes inspecting the breasts visually for symmetry, skin changes, nipple position and checking movement with various maneuvers, then palpating the breasts in vertical strips using light to firm pressure to feel all layers of tissue including the axilla. The exam is to be explained to the patient, their questions answered, and reassurance provided that if normal, the exam is complete.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    Examination of the Breast

     Equipment Needed
     General Considerations
     Inspection
     Palpation
     Notes

    Equipment Needed
     None
     The patient must be properly gowned for this examination. All upper body
    clothing should be removed.

    General Considerations
     The patient must be properly gowned for this examination. All upper body
    clothing should be removed.
     Breast tissue changes with age, pregnancy, and menstral status.
     The procedure described here can also be used for self-examination using a mirror
    for inspection.

    Inspection
    1. Give a brief overview of examination to patient. [1]
    2. Have the patient sit at end of exam table.
    3. Ask the patient to remove gown to her waist, assist only if needed.
    4. Have the patient relax arms to her side.
    5. Examine visually for following:
    o Approximate symmetry
    o Dimpling or retraction of skin
    o Swelling or discoloration
    o Orange peel effect on skin
    o Position of nipple
    6. Observe the movement of breast tissue during the
    following maneuvers:
    o Shrug shoulders with hands on hips
    o Slowly raise arms above head
    o Lean forward with hands on knees (large
    breasts only)
    7. Have the patient replace the gown.
    8. Reassure the patient, if the exam is normal so far, say
    so.
    Palpation
    1. Have the patient lie supine on the exam table.
    2. Ask the patient to remove the gown from one breast and place her hand behind
    her head on that side.
    3. Begin to palpate at junction of clavicle and sternum using the pads of the index,
    middle, and ring fingers. If open sores or discharge are visible, wear gloves.
    4. Press breast tissue against the chest wall in small circular motions. Use very light
    pressure to assess superficial layer, moderate pressure for middle layer and firm
    pressure for deep layers.
    5. Palpate the breast in overlapping vertical strips. Continue until you have covered
    the entire breast including the axillary "tail." [2]
    6. Palpate around the areola and the depression under the nipple. Press the nipple
    gently between thumb and index finger and make note of any discharge.
    7. Lower the patient's arm and palpate for axillary lymph nodes.
    8. Have the patient replace the gown and repeat on the other side.
    9. Reassure the patient, discuss the results of the exam.

    Notes
    1. For more information refer to A Guide to Physical Examination and History
    Taking, Sixth Edition by Barbara Bates, published by Lippincott in 1995.
    2. Bates refers to circular or clock face patterns. These are considered to be inferior
    to the "lawn mower" pattern of vertical strips and should not be used.

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