The nurse is teaching a female patient about breast self-exams and what to look for. The nurse should instruct the patient to report which of the following to the health-care provider?
Explanation
• Breast neoplasms are usually singular, hard, and irregularly-shaped with poorly defined edges.
• Breast neoplasms may develop quickly with skin changes such as swelling, dimpling, and nipple retraction. Itching and redness may occur.
• A fixed, unilateral breast lesion should be examined by a physician.
• Freely movable lesions are indicative of fibrocystic changes, not cancer.
• Breast tenderness during or before menses is normal, and it is usually bilateral.