How should a nurse assess a female client for a possible breast mass?

The recommended approach for assessing a female client for a possible breast mass involves palpating the breasts using finger pads while the client is supine. This position allows for better palpation of breast tissue and facilitates the nurse's ability to assess the entire breast, including areas that may be more difficult to evaluate when the client is in a sitting position. The supine position helps to spread the breast tissue evenly against the chest wall, making it easier to feel for any abnormalities, such as lumps or masses.

Using the finger pads is important as it allows for a more precise and sensitive assessment of the breast tissue. The lateral, medial, and central areas of the breast can be checked effectively, and this technique is a key aspect of a thorough breast examination. It promotes thoroughness and ensures that the nurse is able to palpate all regions of the breast systematically.

Other assessment methods, such as palpating the breasts while the client is sitting, may not provide as thorough an evaluation because the breast tissue may not lie as flat against the chest wall in that position. Palpating over clothing, while it may feel more comfortable for the client, is not adequate for a proper assessment since it impedes the ability to feel for any irregularities. Relying solely