FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

Which Tanner Stage of breast development involves the elevation of the nipple only?

1. Stage 1

2. Stage 2

3. Stage 3

4. Stage 4

The correct answer is: Stage 1

The Tanner Stages of breast development are used to describe the physical maturation of breast tissue during puberty. In Stage 1, also referred to as the prepubertal stage, there is a complete absence of breast tissue with only the nipple being prominent. The correct answer identifies that in this stage, the nipple is elevated but there are no secondary breast development changes, such as breast buds or glandular tissue. In contrast, as one progresses through the Tanner stages, each subsequent stage exhibits more advanced development of breast tissue. In Stage 2, for example, one would observe the beginning of breast bud formation and slight elevation of the breast, while other stages continue to show increasing development and projection of the breast tissue itself. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing normal patterns of breast development in adolescents, which can be crucial for identifying any potential anomalies or conditions.