Menopause and Menstrual Disorders

Herbal preparations have long been used for the management of menstrual problems, including dysmenorrhea, cramping and discomfort, and breast pain. For the nurse to counsel adequately the client who elects to use this alternative modality, it is important to understand the action of these herbal preparations. Match the herbal medicine with the appropriate action. a. Uterine antispasmodic b. Uterotonic c. Antiinflammatory d. Estrogen-like luteinizing hormone suppressant e. Decreases prolactin levels 48. Fennel, dong quai 49. Chaste tree fruit 50. Black cohosh 51. Valerian, wild yam 52. Ginger

48/B 49/E 50/D 51/A 52/C

As relates to dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), the nurse should be aware that: a. It is most commonly caused by anovulation. b. It most often occurs in middle age. c. The diagnosis of DUB should be the first considered for abnormal menstrual bleeding. d. The most effective medical treatment is steroids.

ANS: A Anovulation may occur because of hypothalamic dysfunction or polycystic ovary syndrome. DUB most often occurs when the menstrual cycle is being established or when it draws to a close at menopause. A diagnosis of DUB is made only after all other causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding have been ruled out. The most effective medical treatment is oral or intravenous estrogen.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is defined as excessive uterine bleeding without a demonstrable cause. Which statement regarding this condition is most accurate? a. DUB is most commonly caused by anovulation. b. DUB most often occurs in middle age. c. The diagnosis of DUB should be the first consideration for abnormal menstrual bleeding. d. Steroids are the most effective medical treatment for DUB.

ANS: A Anovulation may occur because of hypothalamic dysfunction or polycystic ovary syndrome. DUB most often occurs when the menstrual cycle is being established or when it draws to a close at menopause. A diagnosis of DUB is made only after all other causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding have been ruled out. The most effective medical treatment is oral or intravenous estrogen.

The nurse correlates which factor to an increased risk of endometrial cancer in women with early menarche or late menopause? a. Total number of ovulatory cycles b. Less hormone stimulation c. Need for estrogen replacement in these patients d. Extended duration of the menstrual cycle in these patients

ANS: A FeedbackA More ovulatory cycles increases risk. These risk factors represent an increased cumulative exposure to estrogen.B Hormone stimulation does not increase risk in endometrial cancer.C Estrogen replacement does not increase risk in endometrial cancer.D Extended duration of the menstrual cycle is not a risk factor.

Which symptom described by a patient is characteristic of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? a. "I feel irritable and moody a week before my period is supposed to start." b. "I have lower abdominal pain beginning the third day of my menstrual period." c. "I have nausea and headaches after my period starts, and they last 2 to 3 days." d. "I have abdominal bloating and breast pain after a couple days of my period."

ANS: A PMS is a cluster of physical, psychologic, and behavioral symptoms that begin in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolve within a couple of days of the onset of menses. Complaints of lower abdominal pain, nausea and headaches, and abdominal bloating all are associated with PMS. However, the timing reflected is inaccurate.

A 21yearold client complains of severe pain immediately after the commencement of her menses. Which gynecologic condition is the most likely cause of this clients presenting complaint? a. Primary dysmenorrhea b. Secondary dysmenorrhea c. Dyspareunia d. Endometriosis

ANS: A Primary dysmenorrhea, or pain during or shortly before menstruation, has a biochemical basis and arises from the release of prostaglandins with menses. Secondary dysmenorrhea develops after the age of 25 years and is usually associated with a pelvic pathologic condition. Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, is commonly associated with endometriosis. Endometriosis is characterized by endometrial glands and stoma outside of the uterus.

A client complains of severe abdominal and pelvic pain around the time of menstruation.This pain has become progressively worse over the last 5 years. She also complains of pain during intercourse and has tried unsuccessfully to become pregnant for the past 18 months. To which condition are these symptoms most likely related? a. Endometriosis b. PMS c. Primary dysmenorrhea d. Secondary dysmenorrhea

ANS: A Symptoms of endometriosis can change over time and may not reflect the extent of the disease. Major symptoms include dysmenorrhea and deep pelvic dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Impaired fertility may result from adhesions caused by endometriosis. Although endometriosis may be associated with secondary dysmenorrhea, it is not a cause of primary dysmenorrhea or PMS. In addition, this woman is complaining of dyspareunia and infertility, which are associated with endometriosis, not with PMS or primary or secondary dysmenorrhea.

The nurse is educating a client on the prevention of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Which statement by the client indicates a lack of understanding? a. "I need to change my tampon every 8 hours during the day." b. "At night, I should use a feminine pad rather than a tampon." c. "If I don't use tampons, I should not get TSS." d. "It is best if I wash my hands before inserting the tampon

ANS: A Tampons need to be changed every 3 to 6 hours to avoid infection by such organisms as Staphylococcus aureus. All of the other responses are correct: use of feminine pads at night, not using tampons at all, and washing hands before tampon insertion are all strategies to prevent TSS.

The female athlete triad includes which common menstrual disorder? a. Amenorrhea b. Dysmenorrhea c. Menorrhagia d. Metrorrhagia

ANS: A The interrelatedness of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and altered bone mineral density have been described as the female athlete triad. Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation that begins 2 to 6 months after menarche. Menorrhagia is abnormally profuse or excessive bleeding from the uterus. Metrorrhagia is bleeding between periods and can be caused by progestin injections and implants.

A perimenopausal client has arrived for her annual gynecologic examination. Which preexisting condition would be extremely important for the nurse to identify during a discussion regarding the risks and benefits of hormone therapy? a. Breast cancer b. Vaginal and urinary tract atrophy c. Osteoporosis d. Arteriosclerosis

ANS: A Women with a high risk for breast cancer should be counseled against using estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Estrogen prevents the atrophy of vaginal and urinary tract tissue and protects against the development of osteoporosis. Estrogen also has a favorable effect on circulating lipids, reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. It also has a direct antiatherosclerotic effect on the arteries.

Nurses are in an ideal position to educate clients who experience PMDD. What self-help activities have been documented as helpful in alleviating the symptoms of PMDD? (Select all that apply.) a. Regular exercise b. Improved nutrition c. Daily glass of wine d. Smoking cessation e. Oil of evening primrose

ANS: A, B, D, E Regular exercise, improved nutrition, smoking cessation, and oil of evening primrose are accurate modalities that may provide significant symptom relief in 1 to 2 months. If no improvement is realized after these changes have been made, then the client may need to begin pharmacologic therapy. Women should decrease their alcohol and caffeinated beverage consumption if they suffer from PMDD.

Which suggestions are appropriate for a client who complains of hot flashes? (Select all that apply.) a. Avoid caffeine. b. Drink a glass of wine to relax. c. Wear layered clothing. d. Drink ice water. e. Drink warm beverages for their calming effect.

ANS: A, C Layered clothing allows the client to remove layers if a hot flash occurs. Ice water may help alleviate the hot flashes. Slow, deep breathing is also beneficial. Avoid triggers such as exercising on hot days, spicy foods, hot beverages, and alcohol.

A postmenopausal client is experiencing low back and pelvic pain, fatigue, and bloody vaginal discharge. What laboratory tests would the nurse expect to see ordered for this client if endometrial cancer is suspected? (Select all that apply.) a. Cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) b. White blood cell (WBC) count c. Hemoglobin and hematocrit (H&H) d. International normalized ratio (INR) e. Prothrombin time (PT)

ANS: A, C Serum tumor markers such as CA-125 assess for metastasis, especially if elevated. H&H would evaluate the possibility of anemia, a common finding with postmenopausal bleeding with endometrial cancer. WBC count is not indicated since there are no signs of infection. The INR and PT are coagulation tests to measure the time it takes for a fibrin clot to form. They are used to evaluate the extrinsic pathway of coagulation in clients receiving oral warfarin.

Which medications can be taken by postmenopausal women to treat and/or prevent osteoporosis? (Select all that apply.) a. Calcium b. NSAIDs c. Fosamax d. Actonel e. Calcitonin

ANS: A, C, D, E Calcium, Evista, Fosamax, Actonel, and Calcitonin can be used by postmenopausal women to treat or prevent osteoporosis. Parathyroid hormone and estrogen may also be of value. NSAIDs may provide pain relief; however, these medications neither prevent nor treat osteoporosis.

A 28-year-old client is diagnosed with endometriosis and is experiencing severe symptoms. Which actions by the nurse are the most appropriate at this time? (Select all that apply.)] a. Reduce the pain by low-level heat. b. Discuss the high risk of infertility with this diagnosis. c. Relieve anxiety by relaxation techniques and education. d. Discuss in detail the side effects of laparoscopic surgery. e. Suggest resources such as the Endometriosis Association.

ANS: A, C, E With endometriosis, pain is the predominant symptom, with anxiety occurring because of the diagnosis. Interventions should be directed to pain and anxiety relief, such as low-level heat, relaxation techniques, and education about the pathophysiology and possible treatment of endometriosis. The nurse could suggest resources to give more information about the diagnosis. Discussion of the possibility of infertility and side effects of laparoscopic surgery is premature and may increase the anxiety.

A client has requested information regarding alternatives to hormonal therapy for menopausal symptoms. Which current information should the nurse provide to the client? (Select all that apply.) a. Soy b. Vitamin C c. Vitamin K d. Vitamin E e. Vitamin A

ANS: A, D Both soy and vitamin E have been reported to help alleviate menopausal symptoms, and both are readily available in food sources. Vitamin E can be also be taken as a supplement. Vitamins C, K, and A have no apparent effect on menopausal symptoms.

During her gynecologic checkup, a 17-year-old girl states that recently she has been experiencing cramping and pain during her menstrual periods. The nurse would document this complaint as: a. Amenorrhea. c. Dyspareunia. b. Dysmenorrhea. d. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

ANS: B Dysmenorrhea is pain during or shortly before menstruation. Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual flow. Dyspareunia is pain during intercourse. PMS is a cluster of physical, psychologic, and behavioral symptoms that begin in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolve within a couple of days of the onset of menses.

To assist a client in managing the symptoms of PMS, what should the nurse recommend based on current evidence? a. Diet with more body-building and energy foods, such as carbohydrates b. Herbal therapies, yoga, and massage c. Antidepressants for symptom control d. Discouraging the use of diuretics

ANS: B Herbal therapies, yoga, and massage have been reported to have a beneficial effect on the symptoms of PMS. Limiting red meat, simple carbohydrates, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol improves the diet and may mitigate symptoms. Medication is usually begun only if lifestyle changes fail to provide significant relief. Natural diuretics may help reduce fluid retention.

While interviewing a 31-year-old woman before her routine gynecologic examination, the nurse collects data about the client's recent menstrual cycles. The nurse should collect additional information with which statement? a. The woman says her menstrual flow lasts 5 to 6 days. b. She describes her flow as very heavy. c. She reports that she has had a small amount of spotting midway between her periods for the past 2 months. d. She says the length of her menstrual cycle varies from 26 to 29 days.

ANS: B Menorrhagia is defined as excessive menstrual bleeding, in either duration or amount. Heavy bleeding can have many causes. The amount of bleeding and its effect on daily activities should be evaluated. A menstrual flow lasting 5 to 6 days is a normal finding. Mittlestaining, a small amount of bleeding or spotting that occurs at the time of ovulation (14 days before onset of the next menses), is considered normal. During her reproductive years, a woman may have physiologic variations in her menstrual cycle. Variations in the length of a menstrual cycle are considered normal.

The nurse is doing preoperative teaching for a client who is scheduled for removal of cervical polyps in the office. Which statement by the client indicates a correct understanding of the procedure? a. "I hope that I do not have cancer of the cervix." b. "There should be little or no discomfort during the procedure." c. "There may be a lot of bleeding after the polyp is removed." d. "This may prevent me from having any more children

ANS: B Polyp removal is a simple office procedure with the client feeling no pain. The other responses are incorrect. Cervical polyps are the most common benign growth of the cervix. Cautery is used to stop any bleeding, and there is no evidence that cervical polyps have a relationship to childbearing.

A client is admitted to the emergency department with toxic shock syndrome. Which action by the nurse is the most important? a. Administer IV fluids to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. b. Remove the tampon as the source of infection. c. Collect a blood specimen for culture and sensitivity. d. Transfuse the client to manage low blood count.

ANS: B The source of infection should be removed first. All of the other answers are possible interventions depending on the client's symptoms and vital signs, but removing the tampon is the priority.

Which menopausal discomfort would the nurse anticipate when evaluating a woman for signs and symptoms of the climacteric? a. Headaches b. Hot flashes c. Mood swings d. Vaginal dryness with dyspareunia

ANS: B Vasomotor instability, in the form of hot flashes or flushing, is a result of fluctuating estrogen levels and is the most common disturbance of the perimenopausal woman. Headaches may be associated with a decline in hormonal levels; however, headaches are not the most frequently reported discomfort for menopausal women. Mood swings may also be associated with a decline in hormonal levels; however, mood swings are not the most frequently reported discomfort for menopausal women. Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia may be associated with a decline in hormonal levels; however, both are not the most frequently reported discomforts for menopausal women.

A client has a recurrent Bartholin cyst. What is the nurse's priority action? a. Apply an ice pack to the area. b. Administer a prophylactic antibiotic. c. Obtain a fluid sample for laboratory analysis. d. Suggest moist heat such as a sitz bath.

ANS: C A major cause of an obstructed duct forming a cyst is infection. The laboratory specimen is a priority since a culture is needed in order to prescribe sensitive antibiotics. Comfort measures can then be used, such as ice packs and moist heat.

Which condition is the least likely cause of amenorrhea in a 17yearold client? a. Anatomic abnormalities b. Type 1 diabetes mellitus c. Obesity d. Pregnancy

ANS: C A moderately obese adolescent (20% to 30% above ideal weight) may have early onset menstruation. Girls who regularly exercise before menarche can have delayed onset of menstruation to age 18 years. Anatomic abnormalities are a possible cause of amenorrhea. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a possible cause of amenorrhea. Pregnancy is the most common cause of amenorrhea.

When evaluating a patient whose primary complaint is amenorrhea, the nurse must be aware that lack of menstruation is most often the result of: a. Stress. c. Pregnancy. b. Excessive exercise. d. Eating disorders.

ANS: C Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstrual flow, is most often a result of pregnancy. Although stress, excessive exercise, and eating disorders all may be contributing factors, none is the most common factor associated with amenorrhea.

A 55-year-old post-menopausal woman is assessed by the nurse with a history of dyspareunia, backache, pelvis pressure, urinary tract infections, and a frequent urinary urgency. Which condition does the nurse suspect? a. Ovarian cyst b. Rectocele c. Cystocele d. Fibroid

ANS: C Dyspareunia, backache, pelvis pressure, urinary tract infections, and urinary urgency are all symptoms of a cystocele—a protrusion of the bladder through the vaginal wall. Ovarian cysts are rare after menopause. A rectocele is associated with constipation, hemorrhoids, and fecal impaction. Fibroids are associated with heavy bleeding.

When assessing a patient for amenorrhea, the nurse should be aware that this is unlikely to be caused by: a. Anatomic abnormalities. c. Lack of exercise. b. Type 1 diabetes mellitus. d. Hysterectomy.

ANS: C Lack of exercise is not a cause of amenorrhea. Strenuous exercise may cause amenorrhea. Anatomic abnormalities, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and hysterectomy all are possible causes of amenorrhea.

Management of primary dysmenorrhea often requires a multifaceted approach. The nurse who provides care for a client with this condition should be aware that the optimal pharmacologic therapy for pain relief is: a. Acetaminophen. b. Oral contraceptives (OCPs). c. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). d. Aspirin.

ANS: C NSAIDs are prostaglandin inhibitors and show the strongest research results for pain relief. Often if one NSAID is not effective, another one can provide relief. Approximately 80% of women find relief from NSAIDs. Preparations containing acetaminophen are less effective for dysmenorrhea because they lack the antiprostaglandin properties of NSAIDs. OCPs are a reasonable choice for women who also want birth control. The benefit of OCPs is the reduction of menstrual flow and irregularities. OCPs may be contraindicated for some women and have numerous potential side effects. NSAIDs are the drug of choice. If a woman is taking a NSAID, she should avoid taking aspirin.

Which statement concerning cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort (CPPD) is accurate? a. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a milder form of PMS and more common in young women. b. Secondary dysmenorrhea is more intense and more medically significant than primary dysmenorrhea. c. PMS is a complex, poorly understood condition that may include any of a hundred symptoms. d. The causes of PMS have been well established.

ANS: C PMS may manifest itself with one or more of a hundred physical and psychologic symptoms. PDD is a more severe variant of PMS. Secondary dysmenorrhea is characterized by more muted pain than the pain reported in primary dysmenorrhea; however, the medical treatment is close to the same. The cause of PMS is unknown and may be, in fact, a collection of different problems.

With regard to endometriosis, nurses should be aware that: a. It is characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial tissue inside the uterus. b. It is found more often in African-American women than in white or Asian women. c. It may worsen with repeated cycles or remain asymptomatic and disappear after menopause. d. It is unlikely to affect sexual intercourse or fertility.

ANS: C Symptoms vary among women, ranging from nonexistent to incapacitating. With endometriosis, the endometrial tissue is outside the uterus. Symptoms vary among women, ranging from nonexistent to incapacitating. Endometriosis is found equally in white and African-American women and is slightly more prevalent in Asian women. Women can experience painful intercourse and impaired fertility.

A 36-year-old woman has been given a diagnosis of uterine fibroids. When planning care for this patient, the nurse should know that: a. Fibroids are malignant tumors of the uterus that require radiation or chemotherapy. b. Fibroids increase in size during the perimenopausal period. c. Menorrhagia is a common finding. d. The woman is unlikely to become pregnant as long as the fibroids are in her uterus.

ANS: C The major symptoms associated with fibroids are menorrhagia and the physical effects produced by large myomas. Fibroids are benign tumors of the smooth muscle of the uterus, and their etiology is unknown. Fibroids are estrogen sensitive and shrink as levels of estrogen decline. Fibroids occur in 25% of women of reproductive age and are seen in 2% of pregnant women.

The client is emotionally upset about the recent diagnosis of stage IV endometrial cancer. Which action by the nurse is best?a. Let the client alone for a long period of reflection time. b. Ask friends and relatives to limit their visits. c. Tell the client that an emotional response is unacceptable. d. Create an atmosphere of acceptance and discussion.

ANS: D Discussion of a client's concerns about the presence of cancer and the potential for recurrence will provide emotional support and allay fears. Coping behaviors are encouraged with the support of friends and relatives. An emotional response should be accepted.

When a nurse is counseling a woman for primary dysmenorrhea, which nonpharmacologic intervention might be recommended? a. Increasing the intake of red meat and simple carbohydrates b. Reducing the intake of diuretic foods such as peaches and asparagus c. Temporarily substituting physical activity for a sedentary lifestyle d. Using a heating pad on the abdomen to relieve cramping

ANS: D Heat minimizes cramping by increasing vasodilation and muscle relaxation and minimizing uterine ischemia. Dietary changes such as eating less red meat may be recommended for women experiencing dysmenorrhea. Increasing the intake of diuretics, including natural diuretics such as asparagus, cranberry juice, peaches, parsley, and watermelon, may help ease the symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea. Exercise has been found to help relieve menstrual discomfort through increased vasodilation and subsequent decreased ischemia.

Which alteration in cyclic bleeding best describes bleeding that occurs at any time other than menses? a. Oligomenorrhea b. Menorrhagia c. Leiomyoma d. Metrorrhagia

ANS: D Metrorrhagia (intermenstrual bleeding) refers to any episode or degree of bleeding that occurs between periods. It may be caused by contraceptives that contain progesterone or by intrauterine devices (IUDs).Oligomenorrhea is infrequent or scanty menstruation. Menorrhagia is excessive menstruation. Leiomyoma is a common cause of excessive bleeding.

One of the alterations in cyclic bleeding that occurs between periods is called: a. Oligomenorrhea. c. Leiomyoma. b. Menorrhagia. d. Metrorrhagia.

ANS: D Metrorrhagia is bleeding between periods. It can be caused by progestin injections and implants. Oligomenorrhea is infrequent or scanty menstruation. Menorrhagia is excessive menstruation. Leiomyoma is a common cause of excessive bleeding.

Nafarelin is currently used as a treatment for mild-to-severe endometriosis. The nurse should tell a woman taking this medication that the drug: a. Stimulates the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), thereby stimulating ovarian activity. b. Should be sprayed into one nostril every other day. c. Should be injected into subcutaneous tissue BID. d. Can cause her to experience some hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

ANS: D Nafarelin is a GnRH agonist, and its side effects are similar to effects of menopause. The hypoestrogenism effect results in hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Nafarelin is a GnRH agonist that suppresses the secretion of GnRH and is administered twice daily by nasal spray.

With regard to dysmenorrhea, nurses should be aware that: a. It is more common in older women. b. It is more common in leaner women who exercise strenuously. c. Symptoms can begin at any point in the ovulatory cycle. d. Pain usually occurs in the suprapubic area or lower abdomen.

ANS: D Pain is described as sharp and cramping or sometimes as a dull ache. It may radiate to the lower back or upper thighs. Dysmenorrhea is more common in women 17 to 24 years old, women who smoke, and women who are obese. Symptoms begin with menstruation or sometimes a few hours before the onset of flow.