A 30-year-old patient reports increased irritability during the ...

[EY67]

A 30-year-old patient reports increased irritability during the days preceding the onset of her menstrual cycle. What should the nurse suggest to assist in the management of her irritability?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. increasing dietary sugar intake to promote energy
  2. increasing intake of simple carbohydrates
  3. reducing caffeine intake
  4. using guided imagery
  5. drinking two glasses of red wine each evening

Question 2

A patient has been experiencing the clinical manifestations associated with menopause and expresses an interest in using alternative and complementary therapies to manage them. What is the best response by the nurse?
 
  1. Alternative and complementary therapies seldom work.
  2. Many women report success with those measures.
  3. What types of therapies are of interest to you?
  4. Have you discussed this with the healthcare provider?

[mbcrismon]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3, 4
Dietary intake can be modified to aid in the management of premenstrual syndrome. A reduction in caffeine intake is indicated to reduce irritability. Guided imagery can be used to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The intake of simple carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol should be reduced.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Alternative and complementary therapies are used by many women to manage the manifestations associated with menopause. The nurse has a responsibility to collect data from the patient. The nurse will need to determine which types of therapies are of interest to the patient. The success of these remedies varies by user. It is inappropriate for the nurse to meet the patient's request with negativity. Patients using alternative therapies are asked to report them to their healthcare providers.