nursing.io Study & Pass

🔍 Indications

• Differentiate between benign breast disease and breast cancer
• Investigate breast pain, nipple retraction, nipple discharge
• Evaluate palpable and unpalpable breast masses
• Screen for malignant breast tumors
• Monitor effectiveness of breast radiation therapy
• Evaluate opposite breast following mastectomy

⚠️ Contraindications

• Pregnant women (unless benefits outweigh risks)
• Patients younger than age 25 or with very dense breast tissue

⚕️ Procedure

1. The patient stands and rests one breast on a table above an X-ray cassette.
2. The compression plate is placed on the breast; patient holds breath; radiograph is taken.
3. The machine is rotated, breast compressed again, lateral view radiograph taken.
4. Procedure repeated on opposite breast.
5. Films are checked to ensure they're reliable.

📋 Nursing Care

Before:

• Explain procedure and what to expect
• Allow patient to express concerns and fears
• Instruct patient to avoid underarm deodorant or powder on day of exam
• Notify staff if patient has breast implants
• Give patient front-opening gown; remove jewelry above waist

During:

• Assist with patient positioning (standing or sitting)
• Inform that some discomfort may be felt from compression
• Instruct patient to remain still and hold breath when requested

After:

• Inform patient results will be given to requesting physician
• Reinforce information given by healthcare provider
• Assist in arranging additional tests if abnormality found

✅ Normal Results

Normal breast tissue, absence of cysts, tumors, or calcification

⚠️ Abnormal Results

• Breast abscesses or cysts
• Breast tumors
• Breast calcifications
• Hematoma resulting from trauma
• Mastitis (inflammation of breast tissue)
• Soft tissue masses
• Vascular calcification