A nurse midwife teaches a client that before palpating her breasts during breast self-examination, she needs to inspect her breasts for abnormalities in which of the following positions?
I.With her arms relaxed at her sides
II.With her arms lifted over her head
III.With her hands pressed against the hips
IV.With her hands pressed against the waist, leaning forward
Explanation
Answer: D - Before palpating the breasts, the client should begin her monthly breast self-examination with inspection or observation of her breasts in the following positions: arms relaxed at her sides, arms lifted over her head, hands pressed against the hips and hands pressed together at the waist. The client should be instructed to look at each breast carefully and individually and to compare them. Lumps, dimpling, irregular shape, significant asymmetry and discharges should be reported.
