What should the gynecology clinic nurse recommend for the patient experiencing premenstrual syndrome?

Question

1. "Eat more chocolate and drink more caffeine beginning a week prior to when your menstrual cycle bleeding should begin."
2. "Engage in aerobic activity often throughout the month, and continue exercising when your symptoms begin."
3. "Decrease your dietary intake of dairy and soy slightly during the month, and especially during your days of bleeding."
4. "Increase your consumption of red meat when you feel symptoms, and eat three large meals per day."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Chocolate and caffeine contain methylxanthines; therefore, intake of chocolate, coffee, and colas should be limited throughout the month.
Rationale 2: Regular aerobic activity helps to decrease PMS symptoms.
Rationale 3: 1,200 mg of calcium per day can help decrease PMS symptoms. The calcium can either come from supplements or be obtained through dietary intake of dairy and soy products.
Rationale 4: Decreased red meat consumption can be beneficial to reduce PMS symptoms, as will eating several small meals per day rather than three large meals.