Final answer:
To perform a breast self-examination, clients should use the opposite hand to examine each breast, place a pillow under the shoulder to raise the breast being examined, and use the pads of the fingers to palpate thoroughly. Checking for nipple discharge by gently squeezing the nipples is also advised. These methods help in early detection of changes suggesting breast cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
To perform a breast self-examination, nurses often teach clients to follow a systematic approach to identify any changes or lumps that might indicate a potential issue, such as breast cancer. The correct approach for breast self-examination includes using the opposite hand for each breast, so the correct answer is B. Use the right hand to examine the right breast. This helps to inspect the breast tissue thoroughly. Additionally, it's common to teach clients to lie down and place a pillow under the shoulder of the breast being examined to flatten the tissue and make it easier to feel any irregularities, this aligns with C. Place a pillow under the shoulder opposite the examined breast to raise it.
During the exam, women should use the pads of their fingers to move around the entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the centre, and also check the armpits, as breast tissue extends to this area. Squeezing the nipple might be done to check for discharge which can be a sign of breast issues, hence answer A. Squeeze the nipples to examine for discharge is also correct as a part of the self-examination process to identify any abnormal nipple discharge.
Knowing how to properly conduct a breast self-examination is crucial because it can lead to early detection of breast cancer, which generally has a better outcome when treated early. Performing these self-exams is particularly important for women to become familiar with the normal state of their breast tissue, so they are more likely to notice any changes.