A nurse is planning an educational seminar focused on changes associated with perimenopause and postmenopause. Which topics should the nurse plan to include? (Select all that apply.)

Question

A.
Eating foods high in calcium
B.
Getting plenty of rest and sleep
C.
Keeping the room cool at night
D.
Need for increased antiperspirant
E.
Using vaginal lubricants

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, C, E
During the perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods, several physical and emotional changes occur. Long-term effects include increased risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Appropriate teaching topics include eating foods high in calcium to help prevent osteoporosis, getting plenty of rest and sleep to combat the fatigue that often accompanies these changes, keeping the room cool at night because hot flashes often occur at night, and the use of water-based vaginal lubricants during sexual activity to combat vaginal dryness. Sweat and sebaceous glands have diminished activity, so there is usually no need for an increased use of antiperspirants.