Genitourinary System
Genitourinary System ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is conducting a health screening for a group of older adults at a community center. The nurse notices that one of the women has sagging breasts and asks her about her breast health. Which of the following responses should the nurse expect from the woman?
This is a normal and expected change in the breasts of older women, as the ligaments that support the breast tissue stretch and lose elasticity over time, and the breast fullness is compromised by the loss of fat and mammary ducts. Gravity, smoking, sunburn, and weight fluctuations can also contribute to breast sagging.
This is wrong because it is not a response that reflects the woman’s awareness of her breast health, but rather a personal preference or difficulty. Wearing a supportive bra can help maintain breast shape and lift, but it cannot prevent or reverse sagging.
This is wrong because it is not a response that indicates the woman has noticed any changes in her breasts due to aging, but rather a preventive measure that she performs to check for any abnormalities. Performing monthly breast self-examinations is recommended for all women, regardless of age or breast size.
This is wrong because it is not a response that shows the woman has observed any changes in her breasts as she ages, but rather a screening tool that she uses to detect any signs of breast cancer. Having regular mammograms is advised for women over 40 years old, or earlier if they have a family history or other risk factors for breast cancer.
The correct answer is A.
“I have noticed that my breasts have become smaller and less firm as I age.” This is a normal and expected change in the breasts of older women, as the ligaments that support the breast tissue stretch and lose elasticity over time, and the breast fullness is compromised by the loss of fat and mammary ducts. Gravity, smoking, sunburn, and weight fluctuations can also contribute to breast sagging.
Choice B is wrong because it is not a response that reflects the woman’s awareness of her breast health, but rather a personal preference or difficulty. Wearing a supportive bra can help maintain breast shape and lift, but it cannot prevent or reverse sagging.
Choice C is wrong because it is not a response that indicates the woman has noticed any changes in her breasts due to aging, but rather a preventive measure that she performs to check for any abnormalities. Performing monthly breast self-examinations is recommended for all women, regardless of age or breast size.
Choice D is wrong because it is not a response that shows the woman has observed any changes in her breasts as she ages, but rather a screening tool that she uses to detect any signs of breast cancer. Having regular mammograms is advised for women over 40 years old, or earlier if they have a family history or other risk factors for breast cancer.
Normal ranges for breast size and shape vary widely among women, and there is no standard or ideal way that breasts should look.
However, some women may experience psychological distress or low self-esteem due to sagging breasts, and may seek cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance. Breast lift surgery can remove excess skin and lift the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall, and may also involve inserting implants to increase the volume of the breasts.
However, this procedure has risks and complications, and may not guarantee lasting results.
Therefore, women should consult with their doctors before deciding to undergo breast lift surgery.