Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What Tanner stage is reached when a girl’s breasts form a secondary mound?

1. Tanner Stage II

2. Tanner Stage III

3. Tanner Stage IV

4. Tanner Stage V

The correct answer is: Tanner Stage IV

The correct stage is Tanner Stage IV, which is characterized by the formation of a secondary mound in the breast tissue. This indicates further development beyond the initial stages of breast growth. In Tanner Stage IV, the breast develops a contour that includes a distinct separation between the nipple-areola complex and the breast mound itself, which can be observed as separate from the surrounding breast tissue. Understanding Tanner stages is essential for assessing normal puberty progression in girls. Stage II involves the first appearance of breast buds, and Stage III includes further enlargement of the breast and areolar tissue but does not yet feature the secondary mound that is indicative of Stage IV. Stage V reflects the mature adult breast, where all breast tissue is fully developed, and the nipple and areola are prominent. This progression highlights the physical changes that occur during puberty and helps healthcare providers monitor healthy development in adolescents.