Question

Which is a correct guideline for performance of self breast exams (SBE) in a 22year-old female client? A. Perform the SBE monthly one week after the menstrual cycle. B. SBE should be done two weeks after the menstrual cycle. C. Perform the SBE on the same day of the month. It doesn't matter which day. D. The breast exam should be performed when the breasts are tender and/or swollen.

Short answer

Answer: Perform the SBE monthly one week after the menstrual cycle.

Step-by-step solution

Read through the options

Read through all the given options and compare them to make an informed decision on the correct answer.

Evaluate option A

"Perform the SBE monthly one week after the menstrual cycle." This is a reasonable time to perform SBE, as most menstruating women have finished their menstruation by this point, thus reducing the chance of breast tenderness or swelling. However, let's continue to compare with the other options before reaching a conclusion.

Evaluate option B

"SBE should be done two weeks after the menstrual cycle." Performing an SBE in the middle of the menstrual cycle may be incorrect, as this is the time when many women experience breast tenderness or swelling due to hormonal changes, which could interfere with the exam.

Evaluate option C

"Perform the SBE on the same day of the month. It doesn't matter which day." This option disregards the fact that a woman's breasts are influenced by her menstrual cycle, and it is best to choose a date that accounts for this.

Evaluate option D

"The breast exam should be performed when the breasts are tender and/or swollen." This is not an accurate guideline for SBE as, during tender and swollen periods, the breast tissue may be more difficult to assess, and some changes in breast tissue may be mistaken for abnormalities.

Choose the correct option

Based on the analysis above, we can come to the conclusion that choice A, "Perform the SBE monthly one week after the menstrual cycle," is the correct guideline for performance of self breast exams in a 22-year-old female client.