2. OBJECTIVES:
• Describe the structure and function of the breast.
• Discuss risk factors associated with the breast across the cultures.
• Learn to Interview the clients for an accurate nursing history of the breast.
• To know the effective techniques for breast examination.
• Foster the ability to differentiate normal from abnormal findings.
4. Risk Factors Across Cultures:
*Genetic Factors: Certain ethnicities may have a higher predisposition to specific breast conditions or cancers.
*Cultural Practices: Diverse cultural beliefs and practices may influence breast health perceptions and screening
behaviors.
*Sociodemographic Factors: Variances in lifestyle, diet, and reproductive patterns can impact breast health across
different cultures.
Nursing History Interview:
Conduct a comprehensive nursing history interview, covering:
*Personal and family medical history.
ex. Have you or any close family members been diagnosed with breast cancer or other breast conditions?
*Menstrual and reproductive history.
ex. Can you provide details about your menstrual cycle, such as the age of onset, regularity, and any significant
changes over time?
*Breastfeeding history.
ex. Have you ever been pregnant, and if so, did you breastfeed? For how long?
*Use of hormonal medications.
ex. Are you currently taking any hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or
medications that may affect breast health?
*History of breast conditions or surgeries.
ex. Have you ever experienced any breast abnormalities, such as lumps, pain, or changes in breast size or shape?
Have you undergone any breast surgeries, such as biopsies, lumpectomies, or mastectomies?
5. How Examination is Conducted and What
are the needed Equipment/materials
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THINGS TO CONSIDER
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9. Summary and Conclusion:
Effective nursing assessment of the breast involves a combination of
thorough interviews and physical examinations. Understanding cultural
influences and risk factors enhances the ability to formulate appropriate
nursing diagnoses, collaborate on interventions, and facilitate referrals for
optimal breast health management. Regular breast examinations and
screenings remain paramount for early detection and intervention,
contributing to overall health and well-being.
11. OBJECTIVES:
•Understand the role of the lymphatic system in
immune function and fluid balance.
•Identify the structures and organs involved in the
lymphatic system and their functions.
•Recognize the importance of lymphatic system
disorders and their impact on overall health.
12. Overview of the Lymphatic system
- T h e l y m p h a t i c s y s t e m i s a v i t a l p a r t o f t h e c i r c u l a t o r y a n d
i m m u n e s y s t e m s , e n c o m p a s s i n g a n e t w o r k o f l y m p h a t i c v e s s e l s ,
l y m p h n o d e s , s p l e e n , t h y m u s , a n d t o n s i l s , w o r k i n g i n t a n d e m t o
m a i n t a i n f l u i d b a l a n c e , f i l t e r a n d t r a n s p o r t l y m p h , a c l e a r f l u i d
c o n t a i n i n g w h i t e b l o o d c e l l s , p r o t e i n s , a n d w a s t e p r o d u c t s ,
t h r o u g h o u t t h e b o d y , w h i l e a l s o s e r v i n g a s a k e y c o m p o n e n t o f
t h e i m m u n e r e s p o n s e b y d e t e c t i n g a n d e l i m i n a t i n g p a t h o g e n s ,
t o x i n s , a n d a b n o r m a l c e l l s , t h e r e b y c o n t r i b u t i n g t o o v e r a l l
h o m e o s t a s i s , i m m u n e d e f e n s e , a n d t h e r e m o v a l o f i n t e r s t i t i a l
f l u i d f r o m t i s s u e s .
14. -lymphatic system picks up fluid from tissues to
reenters circulation.
-as it does this, it also picks up foreign cells and
chemicals from tissues.
-fluid passes through lymph nodes on its way back
to the blood stream.
-lymph nodes contain immunes cells that combat
foreign matter in lymph.
Function of the Lymphatic system
17. Examination
• Medical History
• Physical Examination
• Palpation of Lymph Nodes
• Assessment of Lymphatic Vessels
• Blood Tests
• Imaging Studies
• Biopsy
18. EQUIPMENTS
• Gloves
• Examining Table
• Penlight and Magnifying
Glass
• Measuring Tape or Calipers
• Stethoscope
• Ultrasound Machine
• CT Scan or MRI Machine
• Blood Pressure Cuff
• Needles and Syringes
• Laboratory Equipment
19. Normal Findings
1. Normal Lymph Nodes:
·Normal lymph nodes are small, soft, and usually not tender to touch. They are often
less than 1 cm in diameter and may be movable under the skin.
2. No Swelling or Enlargement:
·In a healthy individual, there should be no noticeable swelling or enlargement of
lymph nodes in areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin.
3. No Tenderness:
·Normal lymph nodes are typically non-tender or only mildly tender when palpated.
Tenderness may indicate inflammation or infection.
20. Normal Findings
4. Smooth Flow of Lymphatic Fluid:
·There should be no evidence of obstruction or disruption in the flow of lymphatic
fluid, which is essential for immune function and fluid balance.
5. Absence of Skin Changes:
·The skin overlying lymph nodes should appear normal, without signs of redness,
warmth, or other abnormalities.
21. Abnormal Findings
1. Enlarged and Firm Lymph Nodes:
·Abnormally enlarged, firm, or fixed lymph nodes may be a sign of infection,
inflammation, or malignancy
2. Tenderness and Warmth:
·Tender and warm lymph nodes may indicate an inflammatory or infectious process
in the surrounding area.
3. Skin Changes Over Lymph Nodes:
·Redness, warmth, or skin changes overlying lymph nodes may suggest an
underlying infection or inflammation.
22. Abnormal Findings
4. Persistent Swelling:
·Persistent or progressive swelling of lymph nodes that does not resolve may be a
cause for concern and requires further investigation.
5. Hard or Fixed Lymph Nodes:
·Lymph nodes that feel hard, fixed, or irregular in shape may raise suspicion of
malignancy, and additional diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy, may be needed.
23. Summary and Conclusion:
In summary, the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in
maintaining the body's fluid balance, facilitating immune
responses, and eliminating harmful substances, with its intricate
network of vessels and organs working collaboratively to filter and
transport lymph, ultimately contributing to overall health and
defense mechanisms; In conclusion, understanding the
significance of the lymphatic system underscores its
indispensable functions in promoting bodily homeostasis, immune
surveillance, and the efficient removal of waste products,
emphasizing its paramount importance for overall well-being and
resilience against infections and diseases.
