FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

In which Tanner stage is the projection of the areola and nipple forming a secondary mound noted?

1. I

2. II

3. III

4. IV

The correct answer is: IV

The projection of the areola and nipple forming a secondary mound is characteristic of Tanner stage IV in breast development. This stage signifies a more advanced progression in sexual maturation where both the areola and nipple elevate, creating a distinct mound above the breast tissue. In Tanner stages of breast development, these changes occur sequentially. Stage I indicates prepubertal development with no glandular tissue. By stage II, there is a small mound of breast tissue and the areola begins to enlarge, but it does not exhibit the pronounced secondary mound seen in stage IV. In stage III, breast tissue continues to develop and the areola may still be in a single plane with the breast, lacking the defined contour and elevation of a secondary mound. It's in stage IV that the characteristic secondary mound develops fully, marking it as a distinct feature of this particular stage in Tanner’s classification.