A middle-aged woman tells the nurse that she has been experiencing irregular menses for the past six months. The nurse should assess the woman for other symptoms of:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Perimenopause refers to a period during which hormonal changes occur gradually, ovarian function diminishes, and menses become irregular. Perimenopause typically lasts around five years. Climacteric is a term that describes the period when physiologic changes result in the cessation of a woman's reproductive ability and decreased sexual activity. This term applies to both genders. Menopause is the time when menstruation permanently stops. Postmenopause refers to the period after menopausal changes are complete. In this scenario, the woman's irregular menses indicate she is likely in the perimenopausal stage, experiencing hormonal fluctuations and changes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to change the intravenous tubing on total parenteral nutrition solutions every 24 hours. This frequency is necessary due to the high risk of bacterial growth associated with TPN solutions. Changing the tubing every 24 hours helps prevent contamination and bloodstream infections. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because waiting longer intervals increases the risk of introducing harmful bacteria into the patient's system, leading to potentially severe complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the vaginal sponge. The vaginal sponge, when used with foam or jelly contraception, acts as a barrier method that can reduce the transmission of HIV and other STDs, in addition to preventing pregnancy. In contrast, IUDs, Norplant, and oral contraceptives are effective in preventing pregnancy but do not provide protection against the transmission of HIV and STDs. IUDs prevent pregnancy by affecting sperm movement and survival, Norplant releases hormones to prevent ovulation, and oral contraceptives work by inhibiting ovulation. However, these methods do not create a physical barrier against HIV and STD transmission. It is important to counsel clients using methods like IUDs, Norplant, and oral contraceptives to also use chemical or barrier contraceptives to lower the risk of HIV or STD transmission.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Parents are the primary force in sex education in a child's life. Parents play a central role in shaping a child's understanding of sex from an early age. They provide continuous guidance, values, and information about sex and relationships. While the school nurse is involved in formal sex education and counseling within the school setting, parents have the most direct and significant impact on a child's sex education. Peers become more influential during adolescence, but their information may not always be accurate or appropriate. The media also exert significant influence on children's perceptions of sex through various forms of entertainment like movies, TV shows, and video games, but parents remain the primary educators on this subject.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An 18-month-old child should have approximately 12 teeth. Children typically start getting teeth around 6 months of age. By subtracting 6 from the number of months in the child's age, you can calculate the expected number of teeth. For an 18-month-old child, 18 - 6 = 12 teeth. Therefore, the correct answer is 12 teeth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the expected dental development in an 18-month-old child.