Breast Facts
MSK Exam
Breast Awareness
MSK Concerns
Physical Exam: Breast
100

The upper, outer quadrant of the breast is known as this

tail of spence

100

During inspection, the nurse notes the size and contour of the joints. They also look for these three things

colour, swelling, masses/deformity

100

This important initiative contributes to early diagnosis of breast cancer

screening

100

Rheumatoid arthritis pain is worse in the morning, whereas the pain associated with this type of arthritis worsens as the day goes on

osteoarthritis

100

this is the initial step in examining the breasts

inspection

200

This group of axillary nodes receives lymph from the three other groups

central axillary nodes

200

During palpation of the MSK system, if these signs are noted, it may indicate inflammation or infection

heat, tenderness, swelling, masses

200

This increases the risk for recurrent breast cancer

past breast cancer

200

These are the most common (general) concerns with the MSK system

joint pain & loss of function

200

Doing this provides the nurse with better and more thorough visualization of the breast tissue

changing positions

300

This tissue surrounds the nipple

areola

300

During physical assessment, ROM is performed actively by the client. If there is a limitation, the nurse performs passive ROM. What are the 2 STOP signs?

pain & resistance

300

You carry double the risk for developing breast cancer if this type of relative has had breast cancer

first degree relative

300

This degenerative condition involves the deterioration of the joints and impacts nearly all adults over 60

osteoarthritis

300

This is done when there is a potential issue noted during breast inspection

palpation

400

A decrease in this causes the glandular tissue of the breast to atrophy

estrogen

400

Muscle strength can be determined by doing this

Applying opposing force to muscle during flexion/ROM

400

This type of imaging is used to screen for breast cancer

mammogram

400

The common name for 'bunion', a deformity resulting in an outward deviation of the great toe

hallux valgus

400

This position is recommended for breast palpation

supine, arm above head, small pad under shoulder

500

This benign condition in males may result from testosterone deficiency

gynecomastia

500

These practitioners are the best to perform a detailed MSK assessment and functional assessment

physiotherapist & occupational therapist

500

Screening with mammography is recommended at this frequency for women ages 50-74

every 2-3 years

500
Atrophy can result from muscles not being actively used or passively being moved. It can eventually lead to contractures. The two best ways the nurse can prevent this is

encourage independence & perform ROM

500

These are potential warning signs of breast cancer

dimpling, nipple changes, orange peel skin, nipple discharge, palpable firm, irregular and fixated lump