The nurse is developing strategies for the relief of menstrual cramping to teach a group of young clients. What should be the focus of these strategies?

Question

1. Increase of blood flow to the uterine muscle
2. Avoidance of uterine contraction
3. Minimization of menstrual flow
4. Decrease in estrogen production

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Menstrual cramping is a result of the muscle ischemia that occurs when the client experiences powerful uterine contractions. Increase of blood flow to the uterine muscle through rest, some exercises, application of heat to the abdomen, and presence of milder uterine contractions (such as those associated with orgasm) can decrease pain and cramping.
Rationale 2: Increase of blood flow to the uterine muscle can decrease pain and cramping. There is no connection between the actual amount of flow and pain. Estrogen production should follow normal patterns and should not be altered.
Rationale 3: There is no connection between the actual amount of flow and pain.
Rationale 4: Estrogen production should follow normal patterns and should not be altered.