Question

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is perimenopausal and has a prescription for hormone replacement therapy. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to notify the provider? (Select all that apply)

a) Vaginal bleeding
b) Nausea and vomiting
c) Severe headaches
d) Sudden weight gain

Answer 1

A nurse should instruct a perimenopausal client on HRT to notify their provider if they experience vaginal bleeding, severe headaches, or sudden weight gain, as these can be signs of serious adverse effects of the therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse providing teaching to a client who is perimenopausal and has a prescription for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should advise the client to notify their healthcare provider if they experience certain adverse effects. The side effects to watch out for include:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe headaches
• Sudden weight gain

Vaginal bleeding can be a sign of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer, especially if the bleeding is heavy or occurs in between menstrual periods. Severe headaches could indicate cardiovascular issues such as increased blood pressure or the formation of blood clots, both of which are known risks with HRT. Sudden weight gain may reflect fluid retention or other metabolic changes and can also be a concern warranting further evaluation.