Question

DESCRIPTION Consider the following scenario: A 32-year old African American female presents with a complaint of pain in her right breast. As the nurse, you take a history and establish the pain has been apparent for three months. Applying the principles of patient- centered care, discuss what your actions would be.

Answer 1

A nurse should consider some specific aspects related to breast in history like

• type of pain
• breast lump
• History of intake of certain medications like haloperidol, estrogen, progesterone preparation, oral hormonal contraceptives, digitalis, methyldopa etc
• check for other breast changes like redness,warmth, swelling of breast, fever
• ask for the bra size she is using as tight fitting bra may be causing breast pain.
• history of any nipple discharge.

then consultation with general surgeon for accurate diagnosis on the basis of history and lab investigations.