Chapter 11 Flashcards
- The nurse should be aware that a pessary is most effective in the treatment of which disorder?
a. Cystocele
b. Uterine prolapse
c. Rectocele
d. Stress urinary incontinence
ANS: B
A fitted pessary may be inserted into the vagina to support the uterus and hold it in the correct position. Usually a pessary is used for only a short time and is not used for the client with a cystocele. A rectocele cannot be corrected by the use of a pessary. A pessary is not likely the most effective treatment for stress incontinence.
- A postmenopausal woman has been diagnosed with two leiomyomas (fibroids). Which clinical finding is most commonly associated with the presence of leiomyomas?
a. Abnormal uterine bleeding
b. Diarrhea
c. Weight loss
d. Acute abdominal pain
ANS: A
Most women are asymptomatic. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common symptom of leiomyomas. Diarrhea is not commonly associated with leiomyomas. Weight loss does not usually occur in the woman with leiomyomas, and the client with leiomyomas is unlikely to experience abdominal pain.
- Which woman is at the greatest risk for psychologic complications after hysterectomy?
a. 55-year-old woman who has been having abnormal bleeding and pain for 3 years
b. 46-year-old woman who has had three children and has just been promoted at work
c. 62-year-old widow who has three friends who have had uncomplicated hysterectomies
d. 19-year-old woman who had a ruptured uterus after giving birth to her first child
ANS: D
The 19-year-old woman is still in her childbearing years. Often the uterus is related to self-concept in women in this age group, and they may feel that sexual functioning is related to having a uterus. The 55-year-old woman is past her childbearing years and has had bleeding and pain for 3 years. The hysterectomy may be well received as a method of pain relief. The 46-year-old woman has a family and positive events occurring in her life (job promotion). The 62-year-old woman is past her reproductive years and has relationships with others who have had positive outcomes.
- A 48-year-old woman has just had a hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. Which statement alerts the nurse that further teaching is needed?
a. “I can’t wait to go on the cruise that I have planned for this summer.”
b. “I know that the surgery saved my life, but I will miss having sexual intercourse with my husband.”
c. “I have asked my daughter to come and stay with me next week after I am discharged from the hospital.”
d. “Well, I don’t have to worry about getting pregnant anymore.”
ANS: B
Stating that she will miss having sexual intercourse with her husband indicates that further teaching is needed for this client regarding sexual activities after a hysterectomy. Although intercourse may be initially uncomfortable, the use of water-soluble lubricants, relaxation exercises, and changes in position may be helpful. Expressing plans for a vacation is a positive psychologic state with plans for the future. Stating that her daughter will stay with her indicates the client understands that she may need assistance during her acute recovery period. Stating that she no longer needs to worry about getting pregnant indicates knowledge related to the reproductive cycle and a positive outlook.
- The nurse provides education to a client about to undergo external radiation therapy. Which statement by the client reassures the nurse that the teaching has been effective?
a. “I am using ointment to keep my skin from drying out.”
b. “I wash the irradiated area with deodorant soap.”
c. “My diet is high in protein, and I drink at least 2000 ml of fluid a day.”
d. “I wash off the markings for the radiation site after each treatment.”
ANS: C
To maintain good nutrition, the woman should eat high-protein meals or use protein supplements and should have a high daily fluid intake of 2 to 3 L. The woman is counseled about good skin care and taught to avoid soaps, ointments, cosmetics, and deodorants because these may contain metals that would alter the radiation dose she receives. Markings may be made to indicate the exact location needed for irradiation and should remain until the treatment is complete.
- With regard to the treatment plan for a pregnant woman with gynecologic cancer, which statement about timing or type of treatment is correct?
a. The fetus is most at risk during the first trimester.
b. The fetus is most at risk during the second trimester.
c. The fetus is most at risk during the third trimester.
d. Surgery is more risky than chemotherapy in the first trimester.
ANS: A
The first trimester is the most vulnerable period for the growing fetus. Women may be faced with making a decision about terminating the pregnancy, depending on the stage and extent of the disease. For advanced disease in the second trimester, alkylating agents, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and vincristine are relatively safe for the fetus. For advanced disease in the third trimester, alkylating agents, 5-FU, and vincristine are relatively safe for the fetus. Surgery is less risky than chemotherapy in the first trimester.
- Which precaution should the nurse take while caring for a client who is undergoing internal radiation therapy for cervical cancer?
a. Wear gloves when assessing the cervical intracavity implant.
b. Instruct the client to urinate in the lead-lined bedpan or “hat” every 2 hours.
c. Prepare the client for an enema before inserting the implant.
d. Limit staff or visitor exposure to 30 minutes or less in an 8-hour period.
ANS: D
Staff and visitor exposure should be limited to 30 minutes or less in an 8-hour period to reduce the risk of overexposure to radiation. Nurses need to protect themselves from overexposure to radiation. Wearing a shield is one method of protection. An indwelling catheter is inserted to prevent urinary distention that could dislodge the applicator. No bowel preparation is necessary.
- What is the most common reproductive tract cancer associated with pregnancy?
a. Cervical
b. Uterine
c. Ovarian
d. Fallopian tube
ANS: A
The incidence of cervical cancer concurrent with pregnancy is reported to be 1 in 2000 pregnancies making it the most common reproductive tract cancer associated with pregnancy. Uterine cancer is rarely diagnosed during pregnancy. Ovarian cancer is the second most frequent cancer diagnosis in pregnancy. At an incidence rate of approximately 1%, fallopian tube cancer remains a rare occurrence. The peak incidence of tubal cancer is between the ages of 50 and 55 years; for this cancer to be concurrent with pregnancy is only a remote possibility.
- When caring for clients with neoplasms of the reproductive system, the nurse must begin by assessing the woman’s knowledge of the disorder, its management, and prognosis. This assessment should be followed by a nursing diagnosis. Which diagnosis fails to address the psychologic effect of these disorders?
a. Anxiety, related to surgical procedures
b. Disturbed body image, as a result of changes in anatomy
c. Risk for injury, related to lack of skill for self-care
d. Interrupted family processes
ANS: C
Although risk for injury, related to lack of skill for self-care, is appropriate to this client’s condition, this diagnosis is more suited to the client’s learning needs than the psychologic effect. Anxiety, related to surgical procedures, is appropriate for addressing psychosocial concerns; the client may also develop anxiety related to the diagnosis and prognosis and whether or not surgery is required. Disturbed body image is an applicable diagnosis; changes in her anatomy and function may also result in low self-esteem and ineffective coping skills. Interrupted family processes is a possible and acceptable diagnosis; functional and anatomic changes may result in the client’s inability to fulfill her familial role. Depending on the severity of her condition, interrupted family processes could also lead to social isolation.
- The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) increases as women age, with more than one third of the women in the United States suffering from some form of this disorder. The symptoms of mild-to-moderate UI can be successfully decreased by a number of strategies. Which of these should the nurse instruct the client to use first?
a. Pelvic floor support devices
b. Bladder training and pelvic muscle exercises
c. Surgery
d. Medications
ANS: B
Pelvic muscle exercises, known as Kegel exercises, along with bladder training can significantly decrease or entirely relieve stress incontinence in many women. Pelvic floor support devices, also known as pessaries, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pessaries may not be effective for all women and require scrupulous cleaning to prevent infection. Anterior and posterior repairs and even a hysterectomy may be performed. If surgical repair is performed, then the nurse must focus her care on preventing infection and helping the woman avoid putting stress on the surgical site. Pharmacologic therapy includes selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or vaginal estrogen therapy. However, pharmacologic therapy is not the first action a nurse should recommend.
- A woman exhibits symptoms that may lead to a possible diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While completing the initial assessment of the client, which clinical finding would the nurse not anticipate?
a. Anorexia
b. Hirsutism
c. Irregular menses
d. Infertility
ANS: A
These clients often are obese rather than anorexic with weight loss. Approximately 40% of these women also display glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia. Excessive hair growth is often present in women with PCOS. This client is likely to have irregular menses or even amenorrhea. Infertility as a result of decreased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone is common with this syndrome.
- What information is important for the nurse to include in planning for the care of a woman who has had a vaginal hysterectomy?
a. Expect to be fully recovered in 4 to 6 weeks.
b. Expect no changes in her hormone levels.
c. Expect surgical menopause.
d. Take tub baths to aid in healing.
ANS: B
Unless the ovaries were also removed, hormonal levels should not change. Menses will cease, but the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis remains intact. The woman should expect to have vaginal discharge for 4 to 6 weeks. Full recovery varies from woman to woman, depending on risk factors and individual healing. Surgical menopause occurs only if the ovaries are also removed. The client should avoid tub baths, intercourse, and douching until after the follow-up examination.
- A woman has preinvasive cancer of the cervix. Which modality would the nurse discuss as an available option for a client with this condition?
a. Cryosurgery
b. Colposcopy
c. Hysterectomy
d. Internal radiation
ANS: A
Cryosurgery, laser surgery, and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) are several techniques used to treat preinvasive lesions. Colposcopy is the examination of the cervix with a stereoscopic binocular microscope that magnifies the view of the cervix. This examination would have already been performed as part of the diagnosis of preinvasive cancer of the cervix. A hysterectomy is performed if the cancer has extended beyond the cervix. Women with positive pelvic nodes (indicating invasive cancer) usually receive whole pelvis irradiation.
- Which condition is the most common malignancy of the reproductive system?
a. Endometrial cancer
b. Cervical cancer
c. Ovarian cancer
d. Vulvar and vaginal cancer
ANS: A
Endometrial cancer occurs most frequently in Caucasian women and after menopause. Certain viral infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) create risks for cervical cancer. Ovarian cancer is the most malignant reproductive system cancer and accounts for the most deaths. Cancers of the vulva and vagina are relatively rare.
- A client in late middle age who is certain she is not pregnant tells the nurse during an office visit that she has urinary problems, as well as sensations of bearing down and of something in her vagina. What condition would the nurse suspect based upon this report?
a. Pelvic relaxation
b. Cystoceles and/or rectoceles
c. Uterine prolapse
d. Genital fistulas
ANS: B
Uterine displacement can be caused by congenital or acquired weakness of the pelvic support structures and is known as pelvic relaxation. Cystoceles are protrusions of the bladder downward into the vagina; rectoceles are herniations of the anterior rectal wall through a relaxed or ruptured vaginal fascia. Both can produce a bearing-down sensation with urinary dysfunction. They occur more often in older women who have borne children. Uterine prolapse is a more serious type of displacement. In women with a complete prolapse, the cervix and body of the uterus protrude through the vagina. Genital fistulas are perforations between genital tract organs. Most occur between the bladder and the genital tract.