Self Breast Examination
Description:
Breast self examination (BSE) is to be performed each month in addition to an annual
mammogram or a clinical exam. Knowing your cyclical changes, what is normal for you, and what regular monthly changes in the breast feel like is the best way to keep an eye on your breast health. Breast tissue extends from under your nipple and areola up toward your armpit.
Materials/Equipment Needed:
· A mirror which lets you see both breasts
· A pillow for your head and shoulders
· Privacy
Procedures:
1. Make a regular date for your BSE
If you are pre-menopausal: Set a regular time to examine your breasts a few days after your period ends, when hormone levels are relatively stable and breasts are less tender.
If you are already menopausal (have not had a period for a year or more): Pick a particular day of the month to do the exam, and then repeat your BSE on that day each month.
2. Hands on Hips
n the privacy of your bathroom, strip to the waist and stand before a mirror. You will need to see both breasts at the same time. Stand with your hands on your hips and check the appearance of your breasts. Look at size, shape, and contour. Note changes, if any, in the skin color or texture. Look at the nipples and areolas, to see how healthy they look.
3. Arms Over Your Head
Still standing in front of the mirror, raise your arms over your head and see if your breasts move in the same way, and note any differences. Look at size, shape, and drape, checking for symmetry. Pay attention to your nipples and areolas, to see if you have any dimples, bumps, or retraction (indentation). Look up toward your armpits and note if there is any swelling where your lymph nodes are (lower armpit area).
4. Stand and Stroke
Raise your left arm overhead, and use your right-hand fingers to apply gentle pressure to the left breast. Stroke from the top to the bottom of the breast, moving across from the inside of the breast all the way into your armpit area. You can also use a circular motion, being sure to cover the entire breast area. Take note of any changes in texture, color, or size. Switch sides and repeat. This is best done in the shower, as wet skin will have the least resistance to the friction of your fingers.
5. Manual Exam - Check Your Nipples
Still facing the mirror, lower both arms. With the index and middle fingers of your right hand, gently squeeze the left nipple and pull forward. Does the nipple spring back into place? Does it pull back into the breast? Note whether or not any fluid leaks out. Reverse your hands and check the right nipple in the same way.
6. Manual Exam - Recline and Stroke
This is best done in your bedroom, where you can lie down. Place a pillow on the bed so that you can lie with both your head and shoulders on the pillow. Lie down and put your left hand behind your head. Use your right hand to stroke the breast and underarm, as you did in step 4. Take note of any changes in texture, color, or size. Switch sides and repeat.
Diagram / Illustration:
Nursing Responsibilities:
Before Procedure:
· Wash hands before the procedure
· Introduce yourself and verify the clients identity
· Explain the procedure to the patient
· Assess the client’s overall condition
· Percuss the bladder to check for fullness or distension
· Assess when the client last voided or was last catheterized
· Assess if the client can be positioned supine, head relatively flat.
· Check the sterility and integrity of the materials
During Procedure:
· keep the sterility of the catheter
After Procedure:
· Wash hands after the procedure
· Discard all materials that has been use
· Document the size of catheter inserted, amount of water in balloon, patient's response to procedure, and assessment of urine
· Reassure the patient
Reference:
Categories:
Procedures