Breast pain occurs in many women during their perimenopausal years. Which information is a priority for the nurse to share with the client?
a.Breast pain is an early indication of cancer.
b.Pain is almost always an indication of a solid mass.
c.Distinguishing between cyclical and noncyclical pain is important.
d.Breast pain is most often treated with narcotics.
ANS: C
Breast pain is unusual in breast cancer. Solid masses are generally benign and described as smooth, round, mobile, and painless. Distinguishing between cyclical and noncyclical pain is important to determine whether the cause is hormonal. Idiopathic pain is most often treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications.
