Author Question: Which symptom described by a patient is characteristic of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? a. I feel ... (Read 53 times)

JGIBBSON · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

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.

Question 2

A woman complains of severe abdominal and pelvic pain around the time of menstruation that has gotten worse over the last 5 years.

She also complains of pain during intercourse and has tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant for the past 18 months. These symptoms are most likely related to:
a. Endometriosis. c. Primary dysmenorrhea.
b. PMS. d. Secondary dysmenorrhea.

TheDev123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

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.

Answer to Question 2

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.