Which outcome statement indicates that a client has effectively been treated with conjugated estrogen (Premarin) for severe and frequent hot flashes?

Question

1. The client is able to sleep 4–5 hours every night.
2. The client reports one to two hot flashes per day.
3. The client reports experiencing headaches while taking this drug.
4. The client reports an improvement in mood.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The client was experiencing severe hot flashes, which most likely were interrupting the client's sleep. A report of 4–5 hours of sleep does not signify a good outcome from this medication.
Rationale 2: Having one to two hot flashes per day would be a good response to the medication. The client would not expect the hot flashes to completely disappear.
Rationale 3: Headaches are a significant side effect, which would not indicate a good outcome statement.
Rationale 4: Though improvement in mood might be a result of this medication, the client's goal would have been related to relief from hot flashes.
Global Rationale: Having one to two hot flashes per day would be a good response to the medication. The client would not expect the hot flashes to completely disappear. The client was experiencing severe hot flashes, which most likely were interrupting the client's sleep. A report of 4–5 hours of sleep does not signify a good outcome from this medication. Headaches are a significant side effect, which would not indicate a good outcome statement. Though improvement in mood might be a result of this medication, the client's goal would have been related to relief from hot flashes.