TEST 10: The Client with Reproductive Health Problems Flashcards
The Client with a Vaginal Infection
1. A nurse is reviewing a client’s chart and notes the Papanicolaou smear laboratory report
indicates visualization of clue cells and a vaginal pH of 3.8. What should the nurse teach this client?
Select all that apply.
1. Seek care if the vaginal discharge has a fishy odor.
2. Seek care if experiencing thick, white, adherent vaginal discharge.
3. All vaginal infections are sexually transmitted infections.
4. Do not douche unless instructed by a health care provider.
5. Usually vaginal infections can be treated with over-the-counter preparations.
The Client with a Vaginal Infection
1. 1, 2, 4. Bacterial vaginosis is a clinical syndrome resulting from the replacement of the normal
vaginal Lactobacillus species with overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria that cause a cluster of
symptoms. Presence of a thick, white, adherent vaginal discharge with a fishy odor is evidence for
bacterial vaginosis, and the client should seek treatment. The client should not douche unless under
medical prescriptions because douching can cause bacteria to ascend into the uterus. Bacterial
vaginosis is not sexually transmitted, and it does not require treatment of the partner. Vaginal
infections commonly require an examination and diagnostic assessment.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Synthesize
- A nurse is discussing daily activities with a client. Which of the following activities puts the
client at risk for altering the normal pH of her vagina? - Consuming over four cups of coffee per day.
- Having sexual intercourse during the menstrual cycle.
- Douching unless instructed to do so by the health care provider.
- Using tampons during the menstrual cycle.
- Douching may disrupt the normal flora of the vaginal lactobacilli and change the pH, which
could result in overgrowth of other bacteria. Coffee, intercourse during menses, and tampons are not
related to changes in vaginal pH or the incidence of bacterial vaginosis.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Apply
- Douching may disrupt the normal flora of the vaginal lactobacilli and change the pH, which
- A client is prescribed oral metronidazole (Flagyl) for treatment of bacterial vaginosis. What
should the nurse instruct the client to avoid during treatment and for 24 hours thereafter? - Douching.
- Sexual intercourse.
- Hot tub baths.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Metronidazole (Flagyl) interacts with alcohol and can cause a serious disulfiram
(Antabuse)-type reaction, with severe, prolonged vomiting. The client should not douche unless
following a medical prescription, but douching does not interact with Flagyl. Sexual intercourse and
hot tub baths are not known to affect the incidence or treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Synthesize
- Metronidazole (Flagyl) interacts with alcohol and can cause a serious disulfiram
- A nurse is assessing a client with vaginal discharge. Which of the following diseases are
commonly associated with vaginal discharge? Select all that apply. - Candidiasis.
- Bacterial vaginosis.
- Gonorrhea.
- Trichomoniasis.
- Syphilis.
- 1, 2, 4. Candidiasis causes a white discharge that results in redness and itching. Bacterial
vaginosis causes a thick, white, adherent discharge. Trichomoniasis causes a diffuse, yellow-green
discharge and is a sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea and syphilis usually do not change
vaginal discharge.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Apply
- A female client with which condition would be at increased risk for vulvovaginal candidiasis?
Select all that apply. - Uncontrolled diabetes.
- Immunosuppression due to cancer.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- Hypertension.
- Asthma.
- 1, 2, 3. Women with underlying medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes and HIV
infection or cancer-causing immunosuppression, correlate with an increasing severity of candidiasis.
Hypertension and asthma are not related to immunosuppression or complicated candidiasis.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Analyze
- A client taking oral contraceptives is placed on a 10-day course of antibiotics for an infection.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching plan? - “Use a barrier method of birth control for the rest of your cycle.”
- “You should stop taking the oral contraceptives while taking the antibiotic.”
- “Call your health care provider for increased hunger or fluid retention.”
- “Take the antibiotics 2 hours after the oral contraceptive.”
- Antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. The client should be
instructed to continue the contraceptives and use a barrier method as a backup method of birth control
until the next menstrual cycle. The client should not stop taking her oral contraceptives and there is no
indication for or benefit to taking the antibiotic 2 hours after the contraceptive. There is no incidenceof the adverse effects of increased hunger and fluid retention with the interaction of antibiotic therapy
and oral contraceptives.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Create
- Antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. The client should be
- A client is asking for information about using an intrauterine device (IUD). Which of the
following questions asked by the nurse would provide pertinent information on whether or not a client
is a candidate for an IUD? - “Do you smoke?”
- “Do you have hypertension?”
- “How often do you have sex?”
- “Are you in a monogamous relationship?”
- Due to the increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, candidates for the IUD should be
in a monogamous relationship. Smoking and hypertension are not contraindications for an IUD. The
frequency of sexual relations will not affect IUD use.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Analyze
- Due to the increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, candidates for the IUD should be
- A nurse is caring for a hospitalized 22-year-old female client with type 1 diabetes mellitus and
toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Which of the following should the nurse perform first? - Administer 5% dextrose in half-normal saline solution at 150 mL/h IV.
- Administer 50 mg of meperidine (Demerol) IM every 4 hours as needed for pain.
- Teach the client to use pads at night instead of tampons during her menstrual period.
- Administer 400 mg of ciprofloxacin (Cipro) IV every 12 hours infused over 1 hour.
- Fluid losses can occur from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever and can lead to hypovolemic
shock. The first nursing action is to treat the hypovolemic shock that accompanies toxic shock, so the
IV fluids must be administered immediately. The fluid replacement is critical to avoid circulatory
collapse. Pain medication and teaching can be implemented later. Antibiotics will be given because
TSS is caused by a staphylococcal infection; however, fluid replacement is initiated first to treat life-
threatening hypovolemic shock.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Synthesize
- Fluid losses can occur from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever and can lead to hypovolemic
The Client with Uterine Fibroids
- A 39-year-old female client has been experiencing intermittent vaginal bleeding for several
months. Her physician tells her that she has uterine fibroids and recommends an abdominal
hysterectomy. When the client expresses fear about the surgery, the nurse should: - Reassure the client of her physician’s competence.
- Give the client opportunities to express her fears.
- Teach the client that fear impedes recovery.
- Change the topic of conversation.
The Client with Uterine Fibroids
9. 2. The best approach for a client who is fearful about having surgery is to allow the client
opportunities to express her fears. Open-ended questions should elicit the client’s individual and
specific fears. This then gives the nurse the opportunity to provide clarification, information, and
support and possibly to offer other resources. The other actions are not supportive and deny the client
the opportunity to express her feelings.
CN: Psychosocial adaptation; CL: Synthesize
- A female with uterine fibroids has dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia. After reviewing the
laboratory reports, the nurse should report which results to the health care provider? Select all that
apply. - Hemoglobin, 9.0 g/dL (90 g/L).
- Hematocrit, 27.1% (0.27).
- White blood cell count, 10,000 cells/mm 3 (10 × 10 9 /L).
- Potassium, 4.0 mEq/L (4.0 mmol/L).
- Normocytic red blood cells.
- 1, 2. A woman with uterine fibroids and dysmenorrhea is at risk for iron deficiency anemia.
The hemoglobin and hematocrit indicate the likelihood that the fibroids causing heavy menstrual
blood loss have resulted in anemia. A hemoglobin of less than 12 g/dL (120 g/L) in women is
considered low. The white blood cell count and potassium levels are within normal parameters, and
normocytic red blood cells are normal.
CN: Management of care; CL: Synthesize
- The client will have an abdominal hysterectomy tomorrow. Which of the following
information will be most important for the nurse to give to the client prior to admission to the
hospital? - What to wear to the hospital.
- What she can eat and drink before admission.
- The type of pain medication that will be prescribed postoperatively.
- The amount of activity she can have after surgery.
- It is a priority that the client knows she will not be able to eat or drink for 8 hours before
admission. A client who consumes food and fluid before receiving a general anesthetic is at risk for
aspiration, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia, respiratory arrest, and even death. The clothing
she should wear to the hospital and the type of medication she will receive are important, but not the
priority. Information on exercise and resumption of normal activities can be included in the discharge
teaching.
CN: Basic care and comfort; CL: Synthesize
- It is a priority that the client knows she will not be able to eat or drink for 8 hours before
- The nurse is witnessing the client’s signature on the informed surgical consent for an
abdominal hysterectomy. It is important to ascertain that the client understands that with this surgical
procedure she will have: - Decreased libido.
- Infertility.
- Depression.
- Weight gain.
- The client needs to understand that with removal of the uterus she will no longer be able to
bear children or have menstrual periods. The surgical procedure should not change her libido or
sexual functioning. Research does not support the idea that hysterectomy contributes to depression or
weight gain. Research demonstrates that women who have managed health problems for some time
before the hysterectomy may actually have a more positive effect, with less worry about their health
condition, contraception, or pregnancy.CN: Management of care; CL: Apply
- The client needs to understand that with removal of the uterus she will no longer be able to
- Which is the correct order, from first to last, for proper placement of a urinary catheter?
- Lubricate the catheter adequately with a water-soluble lubricant.
- Ensure free flow of urine.
- Insert the catheter far enough into the bladder to prevent trauma to the urethral tissue.
- Prepare a sterile field.
13.
4. Prepare a sterile field.
1. Lubricate the catheter adequately with a water-soluble lubricant.
3. Insert the catheter far enough into the bladder to prevent trauma to the urethral tissue.
2. Ensure free flow of urine.
After gathering appropriate supplies, the nurse should prepare a sterile field. After lubricating the
catheter adequately with a water-soluble lubricant to minimize trauma to the urethra, the nurse should
insert the catheter far enough into the bladder so the retention balloon does not traumatize urethral
tissues. Ensuring a free flow of urine prevents infection; improper drainage occurs when tubing is
kinked or twisted.
CN: Safety and infection control; CL: Apply
- Which of the following physical sensations will the client who has had an abdominal
hysterectomy most likely experience if she hyperventilates while performing deep-breathing
exercises? - Dyspnea.
- Dizziness.
- Blurred vision.
- Mental confusion
- Hyperventilation occurs when the client breathes so rapidly and deeply that she exhales
excessive amounts of carbon dioxide. A characteristic symptom of hyperventilation is dizziness. To
avoid hyperventilation, the nurse should assist the client in the practice of slow, deep breathing in a
regular breathing pattern. Dyspnea, blurred vision, and mental confusion are not associated with
hyperventilation.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Apply
- Hyperventilation occurs when the client breathes so rapidly and deeply that she exhales
ysterectomy?
- Offering the client a hot beverage.
- Providing extra warmth.
- Applying a snugly fitting abdominal binder.
- Helping the client walk.
- The discomfort associated with gas pains is likely to be relieved when the client ambulates.
The gas will be more easily expelled with exercise. The anesthesia, analgesics, and immobility have
altered normal peristalsis. Peristalsis will be stimulated by exercise. Offering a hot beverage,
providing extra warmth, and applying an abdominal binder are not recommended and could aggravate
the discomfort of postoperative gas pains.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Synthesize
- The discomfort associated with gas pains is likely to be relieved when the client ambulates.
- On the second postoperative day after an abdominal hysterectomy, the client develops a
temperature of 100.4°F (38°C). The nurse’s first action should be to: - Increase the number of wound changes to minimize infection.
- Obtain a culture and sensitivity study of the urine to determine the source of infection.
- Ensure that the client takes at least 10 deep breaths every hour.
- Change the site of the client’s IV fluid catheter to reduce the risk of infection.
- Elevated temperature on the second postoperative day is suggestive of a respiratory tract
infection. Respiratory infections most often occur during the first 48 hours after surgery. The client’s
vital signs should be monitored closely, and abnormalities should be reported to the surgeon. Signs of
infection, if present in the wound or urinary tract, are likely to occur later in the postoperative period.
There is no indication that the IV catheter is the source of infection.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Synthesize
- Elevated temperature on the second postoperative day is suggestive of a respiratory tract
- The nurse is changing the dressing of a client after an abdominal hysterectomy. Which of the
following nursing measures would be most appropriate if the dressing adheres to the client’s
incisional area? - Pull off the dressing quickly and then apply slight pressure over the area.
- Lift an easily moved portion of the dressing and then remove it slowly.
- Moisten the dressing with sterile normal saline solution and then remove it.
- Remove part of the dressing and then remove the remainder gradually over a period of several
minutes.
- When a dressing sticks to a wound, it is best to moisten the dressing with sterile normal
saline solution and then remove it carefully. Trying to remove a dry dressing is likely to irritate the
skin and wound. This may contribute to tension or tearing along the suture line.
CN: Management of care; CL: Apply
- When a dressing sticks to a wound, it is best to moisten the dressing with sterile normal
- The client with an abdominal hysterectomy is being prepared for discharge in the morning.
The client has a mentally retarded adult son whom she cares for at home. The nurse should discuss
with the physician the need for referral to which of the following departments? - Home health care.
- Social work.
- Pastoral care.
- Volunteer services
- The social worker will be able to coordinate respite care for the son and other community
resources for this family. Home health care would provide care for the client herself, but respite care
for the son is the priority need for this family. Pastoral care provides spiritual care. The volunteer
department would not be responsible for coordination of care at the client’s home.
CN: Management of care; CL: Apply
- The social worker will be able to coordinate respite care for the son and other community
- When preparing discharge instructions for a client after an abdominal hysterectomy, the nurse
should first:1. Have the client watch an educational video. - Assess the client’s available social supports.
- Call the social worker to evaluate the client.
- Read the discharge instructions to the client.
- Assessment is the first step in planning client education. Assessing social support resources
is a key aspect of discharge planning that begins when the client is admitted to the hospital. It is
imperative to know what assistance and support the client has at home. Assessment includes obtaining
data about any family or home responsibilities the client is concerned with during the recovery
period. It is within the scope of nursing practice to provide discharge instructions. A social worker is
not needed at this time. The nurse should assess the client’s needs before determining whether using a
video or reading instructions to the client is appropriate.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Create
- Assessment is the first step in planning client education. Assessing social support resources
- Which should the nurse include when teaching a 55-year-old woman in the beginning of
menopause? Select all that apply. - The average age of onset for menopause is 50 to 52 years.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels elevate.
- Depression is very common as a result of menopause.
- Hot flashes, especially at night, can occur in about 80% of women.
- When periods become irregular, contraception is unnecessary.
- 1, 2, 4. The average age of menopause is 50 to 52 years, although some variation exists. With
menopause, FSH and LH levels increase dramatically. Hot flashes occur in about 80% of women;
they can range from mild to very debilitating with disruption of sleep patterns. Depression is not
usual during menopause; if symptoms of depression do occur, the nurse should refer the woman to her
health care provider. Contraception should be used until menses has ceased for a full year.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Create
The Client with Breast Cancer
21. A postmenopausal woman is worried about pain in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast.
The nurse’s first course of action is to:
1. Do a breast examination and report the results to the physician.
2. Explain that pain is caused by hormonal fluctuations.
3. Reassure the client that pain is not a symptom of breast cancer.
4. Teach the client the correct procedure for breast self-examination (BSE).
The Client with Breast Cancer
21. 1. This information warrants the nurse’s performing an examination and reporting the results to
the physician. Hormone fluctuations do cause breast discomfort, but an examination must be done at
this time to assess the breast. Although pain is not common with breast cancer, it can be a symptom.
Teaching the client to perform a breast exam is important, but it is not the priority action in this case.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Synthesize
22. The nurse teaches a female client that the best time in the menstrual cycle to examine the breasts is during the: 1. Week that ovulation occurs. 2. Week that menstruation occurs. 3. First week after menstruation. 4. Week before menstruation occurs.
- It is generally recommended that the breasts be examined during the first week after
menstruation. During this time, the breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen because estrogen is
at its lowest level. Therefore, the examination will be more comfortable for the client. The
examination may also be more accurate because the client is more likely to notice an actual change in
her breast that is not simply related to hormonal changes.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Apply
- It is generally recommended that the breasts be examined during the first week after
- A female with bilateral breast implants asks if she still needs to do breast examinations
because she does not know what to feel for. Which of the following is the nurse’s best response? - “Have your partner assess your breasts on a regular basis.”
- “I will show you the correct technique as I do the breast examination.”
- “A breast examination is very difficult when you have had implant surgery.”
- “You need to have a mammogram instead.”
- The client needs to become more confident and knowledgeable about the normal feel of the
implants and her breast tissue. The best technique is for the nurse to demonstrate breast self-
examination (BSE) to the client as the nurse conducts the clinical breast examination. Implant surgery
does not exclude the need for monthly BSE. A mammogram is not a substitute for monthly BSE.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Synthesize
- The client needs to become more confident and knowledgeable about the normal feel of the
- The client states that she has noticed that her bra fits more snugly at certain times of the
month. She asks the nurse if this is a sign of breast disease. The nurse should base the reply to this
client on the knowledge that: - Benign cysts tend to cause the breasts to vary in size.
- It is normal for the breasts to increase in size before menstruation begins.
- A change in breast size warrants further investigation.
- Differences in breast size are related to normal growth and development.
- The breasts may vary in size before menstruation because of breast engorgement caused by
hormonal changes. A woman may then note that her bra fits more tightly than usual. Benign cysts do
not cause variation in breast size. A change in breast size that does not follow hormonal changes
could warrant further assessment. The breasts normally are about the same size, although somewomen have one breast slightly larger than the other.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Apply
- The breasts may vary in size before menstruation because of breast engorgement caused by