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: Reading peer-reviewed journal articles highlights the nurse's role as a researcher because it involves staying current with the latest evidence-based practices, advancements in healthcare, and research findings. Nurses who engage in reading such articles are able to enhance their knowledge, critical thinking skills, and decision-making abilities, which are crucial aspects of conducting research and applying research findings to patient care. By continuously educating themselves through reviewing peer-reviewed literature, nurses contribute to the advancement of nursing practice and further research in the field.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient in option C is the most likely to seek prenatal care. This is because she is in her first pregnancy, indicating that she may be more inclined to seek medical guidance and support for the first time experience of pregnancy. Furthermore, the fact that she has access to a free prenatal clinic suggests that she has the resources and opportunity to obtain proper prenatal care, which can significantly benefit her and her baby's health. In contrast, the patients in the other options either demonstrate risky behaviors (such as drug and alcohol abuse in option B) or have previously given birth without professional medical assistance (as indicated in option D), which may indicate lower likelihood of seeking prenatal care. The patient in option A also demonstrates denial of pregnancy, which could delay seeking necessary prenatal care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Members of lower socioeconomic groups often struggle to access and afford healthcare services. Unlike those in higher socioeconomic classes who can afford preventive care, individuals in lower socioeconomic groups typically wait to seek medical care until they have significant health issues or emergencies. Factors such as cost barriers, lack of health insurance, transportation issues, and limited access to healthcare facilities contribute to this problem. As a result, the major concern among individuals in lower socioeconomic groups is the ability to meet their health needs as they occur rather than focusing on preventive healthcare practices. This issue can lead to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs in the long run.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Female genital mutilation (FGM) can lead to various short-term and long-term complications, putting the woman at risk for infection (such as urinary tract infections and pelvic infections due to poor healing and scar tissue), hemorrhage (excessive bleeding during or after the procedure or in subsequent sexual encounters), and obstructed labor (due to scarring and narrowing of the birth canal, which can lead to prolonged labor, tears, and even fistula formation). These risks highlight the importance of providing appropriate care, support, and education for women who have undergone FGM.