A 48-year-old female patient presents to the OB/GYN clinic for her annual examination. She states that she has had the following symptoms: mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, forgetfulness, food cravings, and a decrease in libido. Which of the following does the nurse suspect the patient is experiencing?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Perimenopause is the transitional period leading to menopause that usually begins in a woman's 40s but can start earlier. During this phase, women may experience symptoms such as mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, forgetfulness, food cravings, and a decrease in libido, as described by the patient in this case. These symptoms are caused by hormonal fluctuations as the ovaries start to produce less estrogen in preparation for menopause. Menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Postmenopause, on the other hand, refers to the stage after menopause, where menopausal symptoms have generally subsided. The symptoms described by the patient are more indicative of the perimenopausal stage rather than pregnancy, as they are typical signs of hormonal changes associated with the menopausal transition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate goal for the collaborative problem of wound infection is "The patient will not exhibit further signs of infection." This goal directly addresses the issue of controlling and resolving the infection within the wound, leading to the overall improvement in the patient's condition. By ensuring that the patient does not exhibit further signs of infection, healthcare providers can monitor the effectiveness of treatment interventions and prevent any complications that may arise from the infection spreading or worsening. In contrast, options B, C, and D are not directly related to addressing the wound infection itself, making them less appropriate goals for this specific problem.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Deontologic theory, also known as deontological ethics, focuses on the duty to follow moral rules and obligations regardless of the consequences. In this scenario, initiating resuscitative measures on a 90-year-old patient with terminal cancer reflects a commitment to upholding the duty to provide care and uphold the sanctity of life. Despite the patient's poor prognosis, the nurse is ethically bound to provide care according to established principles and guidelines, emphasizing duty over outcome. This aligns with the Deontologic theory's emphasis on following moral rules and obligations without consideration of the consequences.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Fibrocystic breast changes typically present with breast pain and a cyclic pattern of nodularity and/or lumps in the breast tissue. The characteristic assessment finding that suggests fibrocystic breast changes is the firm, ropy feel of the breast tissue under the skin. This texture is due to the presence of fibrous tissue and cysts within the breast, which can be felt during the physical examination. While nipple discharge and skin changes like peau d’orange can be associated with different breast conditions, the firm and ropy feel of the breast tissue is more specific to fibrocystic changes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acyclovir is the antiviral medication of choice for treating HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) infections during pregnancy due to its known safety profile. It is classified as Category B by the FDA, indicating that there is no evidence of risk to the fetus based on animal studies. Valacyclovir and famciclovir, on the other hand, are both classified as Category B (risk cannot be ruled out) and Category C (animal studies have shown adverse effects) by the FDA, respectively. It is generally recommended to avoid taking unnecessary medications during pregnancy, but if treatment for HSV is necessary, acyclovir is considered the safest option.