Question

A client visiting a community clinic describes some soft and moveable masses in the breast that become enlarged during menstruation. The nurse is aware that the client is most likely describing which condition?

A. Fibroadenoma
B. Breast cysts
C. Ductal ectasia
D. Breast abscess

Answer 1

The condition described by a client who notices soft and moveable masses in the breast that become enlarged during menstruation is most likely breast cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can fluctuate in size due to hormonal changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client describes soft and moveable masses in the breast that become enlarged during menstruation, the nurse is most likely identifying this condition as breast cysts. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the breast tissue that can fluctuate in size during the menstrual cycle due to normal hormonal fluctuations, particularly during the secretory phase. During this phase, estrogen and progesterone can lead to swelling and breast tenderness. Unlike breast cysts, conditions such as fibroadenoma, which is a solid benign lump, and ductal ectasia, which involves dilated milk ducts, do not typically respond to menstrual hormones in the same way. A breast abscess is a different condition characterized by infection and pus collection, and not related to the menstrual cycle.