Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Breast reconstruction options. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Question 1: During a surgical procedure to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the surgeon must be careful to avoid injury to which of the following arterial structures that originates near the level of the renal vessels?
- A. Left renal artery (Correct Answer)
- B. Celiac trunk
- C. Right renal artery
- D. Superior mesenteric artery
Breast reconstruction options Explanation: ***Left renal artery***
- The **left renal artery** arises from the aorta usually just below the superior mesenteric artery, making it susceptible to injury during an **abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair** if the aneurysm extends proximally.
- Its proximity to the typical location of AAA, often near or involving the **infrarenal aorta**, necessitates careful identification and protection during clamping or graft placement.
*Celiac trunk*
- The **celiac trunk** originates higher up from the aorta, typically at the level of **T12-L1 vertebrae**, well above the common infrarenal AAA repair site.
- While important, it is generally less directly threatened during a typical infrarenal AAA repair compared to arteries immediately adjacent to or within the aneurysm sac.
*Right renal artery*
- The **right renal artery** also originates from the aorta near the level of the renal veins, but it is typically located more posteriorly and usually passes behind the inferior vena cava.
- Although it can be at risk, the left renal artery's course is often more anterior and directly in the field of dissection for the **aortic neck** during AAA repair.
*Superior mesenteric artery*
- The **superior mesenteric artery (SMA)** originates from the aorta proximal to the renal arteries, typically around the L1 vertebral level.
- While crucial, its origin is usually cephalad to the infrarenal aneurysm neck, making it generally less prone to direct injury during infrarenal AAA repair, though flow must be monitored.
Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Question 2: A 36-year-old woman comes to the physician because of progressively worsening painful swelling of both breasts for the past 24 hours. Three days ago, she vaginally delivered a healthy 2690-g (5-lb 15-oz) girl. The patient says that breastfeeding her newborn daughter is very painful. She reports exhaustion and moodiness. She has no history of serious illness. Medications include folic acid and a multivitamin. Her temperature is 37.4°C (99.3°F). Examination shows tenderness, firmness, and fullness of both breasts. The nipples appear cracked and the areolas are swollen bilaterally. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Oral antibiotics
- B. Cold compresses and analgesia (Correct Answer)
- C. Oral contraceptives
- D. Mammography
- E. Incision and drainage
Breast reconstruction options Explanation: **Cold compresses and analgesia**
- The patient presents with bilateral breast pain, swelling, and fullness, along with cracked nipples, 3 days postpartum. This clinical picture is highly consistent with **breast engorgement**, a common physiological process in the early postpartum period.
- Management of breast engorgement includes **symptomatic relief** with cold compresses to reduce swelling and pain, and analgesics like NSAIDs to manage discomfort. Continued breastfeeding or pumping is also important.
*Oral antibiotics*
- While breast pain can sometimes indicate **mastitis**, the bilateral nature of the symptoms and the absence of fever (temperature 37.4°C is normal) make an infection less likely as the primary diagnosis at this stage.
- Administering antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to **antibiotic resistance** and is not indicated for physiological breast engorgement.
*Oral contraceptives*
- Oral contraceptives are **not indicated** for the treatment of breast engorgement and could potentially interfere with lactation, depending on the type.
- They are typically used for **contraception** and other hormonal indications, not for acute postpartum breast symptoms.
*Mammography*
- Mammography is a radiological imaging technique primarily used for **breast cancer screening** or investigation of suspicious masses.
- It is not indicated for the initial evaluation or management of acute postpartum breast pain and engorgement, which is a clinical diagnosis.
*Incision and drainage*
- Incision and drainage is a procedure performed for a **breast abscess**, which is a localized collection of pus.
- This patient's symptoms are diffuse and bilateral, and there's no localized fluctuance or signs of a severe bacterial infection (e.g., high fever, redness with clear borders) to suggest an abscess requiring drainage.
Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Question 3: A 49-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician for a general check up. She has not seen a primary care physician for the past 20 years but states she has been healthy during this time frame. She had breast implants placed when she was 29 years old but otherwise has not had any surgeries. She is concerned about her risk for breast cancer given her friend was recently diagnosed. Her temperature is 97.0°F (36.1°C), blood pressure is 114/64 mmHg, pulse is 70/min, respirations are 12/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical exam is unremarkable. Which of the following is the most appropriate workup for breast cancer for this patient?
- A. No intervention indicated at this time
- B. Sentinel node biopsy
- C. BRCA genetic testing
- D. Mammography (Correct Answer)
- E. Ultrasound
Breast reconstruction options Explanation: ***Mammography***
- The patient is 49 years old, making regular screening **mammography** the most appropriate initial workup for breast cancer, as guidelines recommend screening for women over 40.
- While breast implants can make mammograms more challenging, specialized techniques like **Eklund views** can be used to visualize breast tissue effectively.
*No intervention indicated at this time*
- This is incorrect because the patient's age (49) places her in the demographic for routine **breast cancer screening**.
- Delaying screening in this age group would increase the risk of detecting cancer at a later, less treatable stage.
*Sentinel node biopsy*
- **Sentinel node biopsy** is a procedure typically performed after a breast cancer diagnosis to stage the disease and determine lymph node involvement.
- It is not a screening tool and is therefore inappropriate as an initial workup in an asymptomatic patient without a known mass.
*BRCA genetic testing*
- **BRCA genetic testing** is indicated for individuals with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or those diagnosed with specific types of breast cancer at a young age.
- This patient has no such risk factors mentioned, making genetic testing unnecessary as a first-line screening step.
*Ultrasound*
- **Ultrasound** is often used as a follow-up to an abnormal mammogram or to evaluate specific palpable masses, especially in younger women with dense breasts.
- It is not typically recommended as a primary screening tool for breast cancer in a 49-year-old woman, especially without prior mammographic findings.
Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Question 4: A 56-year-old woman is referred to your office with mammography results showing a dense, spiculated mass with clustered microcalcifications. The family history is negative for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. She was formerly a flight attendant and since retirement, she has started a strict Mediterranean diet because she was "trying to compensate for her lack of physical activity". She is the mother of two. She breastfed each infant for 18 months, as recommended by her previous physician. Her only two surgical procedures have been a breast augmentation with implants and tubal ligation. The physical examination is unremarkable. There are no palpable masses and no nipple or breast skin abnormalities. The patient lacks a family history of breast cancer. Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for the development of breast cancer in this patient?
- A. Breast implants
- B. Sedentarism
- C. Age >50 years
- D. Nulliparity
- E. Occupation (Correct Answer)
Breast reconstruction options Explanation: ***Occupation***
- Historically, **flight attendants** have a higher risk of breast cancer due to increased exposure to **ionizing radiation** at high altitudes and circadian rhythm disruption.
- This chronic exposure to known carcinogens makes it a more significant risk factor compared to general lifestyle or age for this specific patient.
*Breast implants*
- **Breast implants** are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, although they can sometimes make mammographic interpretation more challenging.
- While there's a rare association with **anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)**, it's not breast cancer.
*Sedentarism*
- While a **sedentary lifestyle** is a general risk factor for various cancers, including breast cancer, it is a less specific and potent risk compared to direct occupational exposure to radiation.
- Her recent adoption of a Mediterranean diet to compensate suggests it might not be a lifelong, primary risk factor in this context.
*Age >50 years*
- **Increasing age** is a well-established, non-modifiable risk factor for breast cancer, with incidence rising significantly after age 50.
- However, for this patient, the **occupational exposure** is a more specific and potent risk given her profession, placing it above general age-related risk.
*Nulliparity*
- **Nulliparity** (never having given birth) is a risk factor for breast cancer, as pregnancy and breastfeeding offer some protective effects.
- This patient is a mother of two and breastfed both infants, indicating she is **not nulliparous** and has likely mitigated this risk factor.
Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Question 5: A 30-year-old woman presents to the office with complaints of pain in her right breast for 5 days. The pain is moderate-to-intense and is localized to the upper quadrant of the right breast, and mainly to the areola for the past 48 hours. She adds that there is some nipple discharge on the same side and that the right breast is red. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10 years of age, for which she takes insulin. The family history is negative for breast and ovarian cancers, and endometrial disorders. She smokes one-half pack of cigarettes every day and binge drinks alcohol on the weekends. Two weeks ago she was hit by a volleyball while playing at the beach. There is no history of fractures or surgical procedures. The physical examination reveals a swollen, erythematous, and warm right breast with periareolar tenderness and nipple discharge. There are no palpable masses or lymphadenopathy. Which of the following is the most important risk factor for the development of this patient’s condition?
- A. Age
- B. Trauma
- C. Diabetes
- D. Smoking (Correct Answer)
- E. Parity
Breast reconstruction options Explanation: ***Smoking***
- This patient presents with symptoms highly suggestive of **periductal mastitis**, including breast pain, erythema, tenderness, and nipple discharge, particularly around the periareolar region. **Smoking** is a significant and dose-dependent risk factor for periductal mastitis.
- The chemicals in cigarette smoke are thought to have a **toxic effect on the lactiferous ducts**, leading to inflammation and obstruction.
*Age*
- While age can influence breast conditions, periductal mastitis typically affects **younger and premenopausal women**, corresponding to this patient's age.
- Being 30 years old is not an independent risk factor for the development of periductal mastitis in the same way that smoking is; rather, it falls within the typical age range for the condition.
*Trauma*
- Although the patient sustained a volleyball injury, **trauma** to the breast itself is not a direct or significant risk factor for infectious or inflammatory conditions like periductal mastitis.
- Trauma is more likely to cause hematoma or fat necrosis, which would present differently from the described symptoms.
*Diabetes*
- **Diabetes** can increase the risk of infections in general due to impaired immune function, but it is not a specific or primary risk factor for periductal mastitis as defined by the inflammatory changes in the ducts.
- While diabetic patients may be prone to complications, there is no direct mechanistic link between diabetes and the development of this specific lobular mastitis.
*Parity*
- **Parity** (the number of times a woman has given birth) is largely irrelevant to the development of periductal mastitis in non-lactating women.
- Conditions related to parity often involve mastitis during lactation, which is not the case here, as this type of mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the ducts unrelated to breastfeeding.
Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Question 6: A 61-year-old woman presents to a surgical oncologist for consideration of surgical removal of biopsy-confirmed breast cancer. The mass is located in the tail of Spence along the superolateral aspect of the left breast extending into the axilla. The surgical oncologist determines that the optimal treatment for this patient involves radical mastectomy including removal of the axillary lymph nodes. The patient undergoes all appropriate preoperative tests and is cleared for surgery. During the operation, multiple enlarged axillary lymph nodes are present along the superolateral chest wall. While exposing the lymph nodes, the surgeon accidentally nicks a nerve. Which of the following physical examination findings will most likely be seen in this patient following the operation?
- A. Internal rotation, adduction, and extension of the arm
- B. Weakness in arm flexion at the elbow and numbness over the lateral forearm
- C. Weakness in shoulder abduction and numbness over the lateral shoulder
- D. Scapular protrusion while pressing against a wall (Correct Answer)
- E. Weakness in wrist extension and numbness over the dorsal hand
Breast reconstruction options Explanation: ***Scapular protrusion while pressing against a wall***
- Damage to the **long thoracic nerve** during axillary dissection (common in radical mastectomy) paralyzes the **serratus anterior muscle**.
- Paralysis of the serratus anterior causes **scapular winging** (protrusion) and inability to effectively protract the scapula, especially when pushing against a wall.
*Internal rotation, adduction, and extension of the arm*
- This constellation of findings, sometimes called **"policeman's tip"**, is characteristic of an **Erb's palsy**, involving the C5-C6 roots of the brachial plexus.
- Erb's palsy typically results from birth trauma or severe shoulder injury, not commonly from axillary lymph node dissection.
*Weakness in arm flexion at the elbow and numbness over the lateral forearm*
- This symptom complex indicates injury to the **musculocutaneous nerve**, affecting the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles and sensation to the lateral forearm.
- While theoretically possible in deep axillary dissection, it is less common than long thoracic nerve injury during routine axillary node removal.
*Weakness in shoulder abduction and numbness over the lateral shoulder*
- This presentation suggests damage to the **axillary nerve**, which innervates the deltoid and teres minor muscles and provides sensation over the "regimental badge" area of the shoulder.
- The axillary nerve is located more inferiorly and posteriorly in the axilla and is less prone to injury during standard anterior axillary lymph node dissection compared to the long thoracic nerve.
*Weakness in wrist extension and numbness over the dorsal hand*
- These are signs of **radial nerve injury**, which affects the extensor muscles of the wrist and fingers and sensation over the dorsal hand.
- The radial nerve runs more posteriorly in the axilla and arm, making it less susceptible to injury during an anterior axillary lymph node dissection.
Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Question 7: A 45-year-old woman undergoes a modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Following the procedure, she experiences numbness in the medial aspect of her upper arm. Which of the following nerves was most likely injured during the surgery?
- A. Musculocutaneous nerve
- B. Thoracodorsal nerve
- C. Long thoracic nerve
- D. Intercostobrachial nerve (Correct Answer)
Breast reconstruction options Explanation: ***Intercostobrachial nerve***
- The **intercostobrachial nerve** provides sensory innervation to the **medial aspect of the upper arm** and is vulnerable to injury during **axillary dissection** in a modified radical mastectomy [1].
- Injury typically results in **numbness** or **paresthesia** in this specific dermatomal distribution [1].
*Musculocutaneous nerve*
- The **musculocutaneous nerve** innervates the muscles of the **anterior compartment of the arm** (e.g., biceps brachii) and provides sensation to the **lateral forearm**.
- Damage would primarily affect **forearm sensation** and arm flexion, not medial upper arm sensation.
*Thoracodorsal nerve*
- The **thoracodorsal nerve** innervates the **latissimus dorsi muscle**, a large muscle of the back and shoulder [1].
- Injury would lead to **weakness in adduction, extension, and internal rotation** of the arm, with no sensory deficit in the upper arm [1].
*Long thoracic nerve*
- The **long thoracic nerve** innervates the **serratus anterior muscle**, which stabilizes the scapula and allows for arm abduction above 90 degrees.
- Injury results in **"winged scapula,"** making it difficult to raise the arm overhead, without sensory loss in the upper arm.
Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Question 8: A 47-year-old woman comes to the physician for a mass in her left breast she noticed 2 days ago during breast self-examination. She has hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine. There is no family history of breast cancer. Examination shows large, moderately ptotic breasts. The mass in her left breast is small (approximately 1 cm x 0.5 cm), firm, mobile, and painless. It is located 4 cm from her nipple-areolar complex at the 7 o'clock position. There are no changes in the skin or nipple, and there is no palpable axillary adenopathy. No masses are palpable in her right breast. A urine pregnancy test is negative. Mammogram showed a soft tissue mass with poorly defined margins. Core needle biopsy confirms a low-grade infiltrating ductal carcinoma. The pathological specimen is positive for estrogen receptors and negative for progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptors. Staging shows no distant metastatic disease. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by hormone therapy
- B. Nipple-sparing mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection followed by hormone therapy
- C. Nipple-sparing mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, followed by radiation and hormone therapy
- D. Radical mastectomy followed by hormone therapy
- E. Lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy, followed by radiation and hormone therapy (Correct Answer)
Breast reconstruction options Explanation: **Lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy, followed by radiation and hormone therapy**
- The patient has **early-stage (T1N0M0) estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative invasive ductal carcinoma** suitable for **breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy)**.
- **Lumpectomy** must be followed by **radiation therapy** to the remaining breast tissue to reduce the risk of local recurrence, and **endocrine therapy** (due to ER positivity) is indicated to reduce systemic recurrence risk.
- **Sentinel lymph node biopsy** is performed to stage the axilla; if positive, an axillary lymph node dissection may be indicated. However, in this case, the mass is small, and there is no palpable axillary adenopathy, making sentinel lymph node biopsy the appropriate initial step.
*Lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by hormone therapy*
- While **lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy** and **hormone therapy** are part of the appropriate management, **radiation therapy** to the conserved breast is a critical component that is missing from this option.
- Omitting **radiation therapy** after lumpectomy for invasive breast cancer significantly increases the risk of local recurrence.
*Nipple-sparing mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection followed by hormone therapy*
- A **nipple-sparing mastectomy** is a more aggressive surgical approach than typically required for a **small, early-stage tumor** like this, which is amenable to breast-conserving surgery.
- **Axillary lymph node dissection** is usually reserved for cases with clinically positive lymph nodes or a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy, not as an initial step when there is no palpable axillary adenopathy.
*Nipple-sparing mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, followed by radiation and hormone therapy*
- This option involves an **unnecessarily extensive surgical procedure (nipple-sparing mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection)** for a **small (1cm x 0.5cm) early-stage tumor** that can be managed with breast-conserving therapy.
- While radiation and hormone therapy are relevant, the initial surgical choice is too aggressive given the clinical presentation.
*Radical mastectomy followed by hormone therapy*
- **Radical mastectomy** (which includes removal of the breast, underlying chest muscle, and axillary lymph nodes) is rarely performed today due to its significant morbidity and is not indicated for this **early-stage tumor**.
- **Modified radical mastectomy**, which removes the breast and axillary lymph nodes while preserving the chest muscle, is typically only considered if breast-conserving surgery is not feasible or desired, and **hormone therapy** would be indicated, but **radiation** may also be needed depending on other factors.
Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Question 9: Three hours later, the patient is reassessed. Her right arm is put in an elevated position and physical examination of the extremity is performed. The examination reveals reduced capillary return and peripheral pallor. Pulse oximetry of her right index finger on room air shows an oxygen saturation of 84%. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Perform fasciotomy
- B. Obtain split-thickness skin graft
- C. Decrease rate of IV fluids
- D. Perform right upper extremity amputation
- E. Perform escharotomy (Correct Answer)
Breast reconstruction options Explanation: ***Perform escharotomy***
- The patient's symptoms of **reduced capillary return**, **peripheral pallor**, and **low oxygen saturation** in the setting of an elevated arm indicate **compartment syndrome** due to circumferential burn-related edema.
- **Escharotomy** is the appropriate immediate intervention to relieve pressure and restore circulation in deep circumferential burns.
*Perform fasciotomy*
- **Fasciotomy** is indicated for compartment syndrome due to **non-burn-related trauma** or other causes, where the tight fascia is the primary constricting factor.
- In burns, the **tough, inelastic eschar** itself is usually the constricting element, requiring escharotomy.
*Obtain split-thickness skin graft*
- A **split-thickness skin graft** is a reconstructive procedure performed after the burn wound has been adequately debrided and the patient is stable.
- It is not an emergent intervention to address acute limb ischemia from compartment syndrome.
*Decrease rate of IV fluids*
- While excessive fluid resuscitation can contribute to edema, the immediate and critical issue is the **compromised circulation** due to the constricting eschar, not solely fluid overload.
- Reducing IV fluids would not rapidly reverse the existing limb ischemia and could potentially lead to **hypoperfusion** if the patient is already under-resuscitated.
*Perform right upper extremity amputation*
- **Amputation** is a last resort, considered only after all attempts to salvage the limb, including escharotomy, have failed and there is irreversible tissue necrosis.
- It is not the appropriate first-line response to acute compartment syndrome from burns.
Breast reconstruction options US Medical PG Question 10: A 27-year-old-man is brought to the emergency department 30 minutes after being involved in a motorcycle accident. He lost control at high speed and was thrown forward onto the handlebars. On arrival, he is alert and responsive. He has abdominal pain and superficial lacerations on his left arm. Vital signs are within normal limits. Examination shows a tender, erythematous area over his epigastrium. The abdomen is soft and non-distended. A CT scan of the abdomen shows no abnormalities. Treatment with analgesics is begun, the lacerations are cleaned and dressed, and the patient is discharged home after 2 hours of observation. Four days later, the patient returns to the emergency department with gradually worsening upper abdominal pain, fever, poor appetite, and vomiting. His pulse is 91/min and blood pressure is 135/82 mm Hg. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Abdominal compartment syndrome
- B. Aortic dissection
- C. Splenic rupture
- D. Pancreatic ductal injury (Correct Answer)
- E. Diaphragmatic rupture
Breast reconstruction options Explanation: ***Pancreatic ductal injury***
- A forceful impact to the **epigastrium** (e.g., falling onto handlebars) can cause **pancreatic injury**, particularly a **ductal transection**, due to the pancreas being compressed against the vertebral column.
- Initial CT scans can be normal because the injury to the **ductal system** takes time to manifest, leading to delayed symptoms like **worsening abdominal pain, fever, vomiting**, and **poor appetite** several days later due to **pancreatitis** or a **pseudocyst** formation.
*Abdominal compartment syndrome*
- This typically presents with **acute abdominal distension**, increased intra-abdominal pressure, and organ dysfunction (e.g., oliguria, respiratory compromise), which are not described here.
- It's an immediate complication of severe trauma or fluid resuscitation, not a delayed presentation like described.
*Aortic dissection*
- Characterized by **sudden-onset, severe, tearing chest or back pain** and often involves hypertension or Marfan syndrome.
- It would manifest immediately with hemodynamic instability and distinct pain, not a delayed presentation of progressive abdominal symptoms.
*Splenic rupture*
- Often causes **left upper quadrant pain**, **Kehr's sign** (referred shoulder pain), and **hemodynamic instability** due to significant blood loss.
- While possible in trauma, a normal initial CT scan makes this less likely, and its symptoms usually appear earlier or are more severe.
*Diaphragmatic rupture*
- Can present with **dyspnea, shoulder pain**, or signs of **herniated abdominal organs** into the chest.
- It causes more immediate respiratory distress or gastrointestinal obstruction symptoms, and the abdominal symptoms described are not typical for this injury.
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