When teaching a group of postmenopausal women about hot flashes and night sweats, the nurse would address which primary cause?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In postmenopausal women, hot flashes and night sweats are primarily caused by estrogen deficiency. Estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, and its decline during menopause can lead to vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. By addressing estrogen deficiency, healthcare providers can effectively manage these symptoms through hormone replacement therapy or other interventions. Option A, poor dietary intake, is incorrect because while nutrition is important for overall health, it is not the primary cause of hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women. Option C, active lifestyle, is also incorrect as physical activity is beneficial for overall health but does not directly affect the hormonal changes leading to menopausal symptoms. Option D, changes in vaginal pH, is incorrect as this is more related to vaginal health and not the primary cause of hot flashes and night sweats. In an educational context, understanding the physiological changes during menopause and their impact on symptoms is crucial for healthcare providers to provide appropriate care and support to women going through this transition. By recognizing the role of estrogen deficiency in vasomotor symptoms, nurses can tailor their education and interventions to effectively help women manage these common menopausal complaints.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Natural family planning, including the fertility awareness method, requires consistent tracking of signs such as basal body temperature and cervical mucus to identify fertile and infertile periods. It is not highly effective without effort, does not eliminate the need for other forms of contraception during fertile periods, and provides no protection against STIs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Smoking does not help keep bones strong; it actually increases the risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, this misconception requires additional teaching. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, avoiding excessive alcohol, and engaging in weight-bearing exercises are all correct measures to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Measures to reduce osteoporosis after menopause include daily weight-bearing exercise, increasing calcium and vitamin D intake, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake. General vitamin supplements may be helpful overall, but they are not specific to reducing the risk of osteoporosis. A diet high in calcium and vitamin D, not fiber and calories, would be appropriate. Restricting fluids would have no effect on preventing osteoporosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Injectable progestins require only four injections per year, making them suitable for clients who struggle with daily compliance. While other factors like thrombotic risks or irregular healthcare access are important considerations, the primary advantage here is convenience for those who forget daily doses.