Question

Subjective Data:                                                                        Last menstrual cycle: 18 days ago.                                      pain is dull pain.                                                                        breasts feel heavy and tender.                                               performs monthly breast self examinations.                     Objective Data:                                                                          breast moderate size,evenly pigment, bilaterally symmetric, and hang equally with smooth contour.          venous patterns bilaterally similar.                                       breast firm, smooth, and elastic without tenderness, lumps,or nodules.                                                                    areolae round,nipples protruding, symmetric,soft,pliable,smooth, and intact without discharge.                                                                                 axillary lymph nodes are not palpated.                              question: What other questions should the nurse ask about the breast pain?                                                              question: What are some of the causes of breast pain?                                                                                           question: Develop a problem list from the objective and subjective data.                                                                 question: What should be included in the plan of care?                                                                                              question: Based on the readings and the subjective and objective data, what is the most likely cause of breast pain for the this patient?

Answer 1

1 The nurse should ask about history of breast disorder which helps in establishing diagnosis. The presence of nipple discharge, pain, rate of growth of lump, breast assymetry and corelation with the menstrual cycle should be investigated.

Mastalgia is the most common breast-related complaint in women. Noncyclic mastalgia has no relationship to the menstrual cycle and can continue into menopause. It may be constant or intermittent throughout the month and last for years. The etiology of pain maybe due to trauma, fat necrosis or ductal ectasia. So this patient may be suffering from non cyclic mastalgia.

The plan of care is to do Mammography to exclude cancer and provide information on the etiology of mastalgia. Some relief may occur with caffeine and dieyary fat reduction. Hormonal therapy may be recommended, including oral contraceptives and danazol.