A 12-year-old girl presents to the pediatric clinic with complaints of severe lower abdominal pain during her menstrual periods, which started six months ago.
She describes the pain as cramping and rates it as 8 out of 10 on the pain scale.
Her mother reports that over-the-counter pain medications have provided little relief.
What would be the recommended first-line treatment for her and what is the medical term for this condition?
Start oral contraceptive pills to regulate her menstrual cycle and reduce pain.
Suggest increasing the intake of dairy products to improve calcium levels and reduce pain.
Prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to relieve pain.
Recommend a heating pad to be used on the abdomen during painful periods.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Oral contraceptive pills primarily work by suppressing ovulation and thinning the uterine lining, leading to lighter and less painful periods. While effective for dysmenorrhea, they are not typically the first-line treatment for a 12-year-old experiencing recent onset, as other less hormonally impactful options are usually tried first.
Choice B rationale
Increasing dairy intake primarily impacts bone health due to its calcium content. While calcium plays a role in muscle function, there is no strong scientific evidence directly linking increased dairy consumption to the reduction of menstrual pain caused by prostaglandins and uterine contractions in dysmenorrhea.
Choice C rationale
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are key mediators of inflammation and pain. During menstruation, the uterus releases prostaglandins, causing contractions and pain. By blocking prostaglandin synthesis, NSAIDs effectively reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps. The medical term for severe pain during menstruation is dysmenorrhea.
Choice D rationale
Applying a heating pad to the abdomen provides localized warmth, which can help to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and increase blood flow. This can offer symptomatic relief from menstrual cramps by reducing muscle spasms and alleviating discomfort, but it does not address the underlying physiological cause of dysmenorrhea.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Avoiding fruit juice is a helpful recommendation because fruit juices are often high in simple sugars, which can draw water into the bowel and potentially worsen diarrhea. This statement indicates a good understanding of dietary management for diarrhea.
Choice B rationale
Offering small amounts of oral rehydration solution frequently is a crucial aspect of managing acute diarrhea in toddlers to prevent dehydration by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. This demonstrates appropriate knowledge of fluid management.
Choice C rationale
Giving over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine to stop the stools is generally not recommended for toddlers with acute diarrhea without specific guidance from a healthcare provider. These medications can sometimes mask underlying issues or have adverse effects in young children. This statement indicates a need for further explanation regarding safe medication use.
Choice D rationale
Continuing to offer the child their usual foods as tolerated is generally advised to maintain nutritional intake during diarrhea. Bland foods like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce are often well-tolerated. This shows an understanding of appropriate dietary progression.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Citrus foods are acidic and can irritate the esophagus, potentially worsening reflux symptoms in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Increasing citrus intake is generally not recommended.
Choice B rationale
Fatty foods tend to delay gastric emptying, which can increase the risk and duration of reflux episodes. Decreasing the intake of fatty foods can help reduce GERD symptoms by allowing the stomach to empty more quickly.
Choice C rationale
Spicy foods can irritate the lining of the esophagus and exacerbate reflux symptoms in individuals with GERD. Encouraging the consumption of spicy foods is generally contraindicated.
Choice D rationale
Fiber promotes healthy digestion and typically does not worsen GERD symptoms. In some cases, adequate fiber intake can even be beneficial. Limiting fiber intake is not a standard dietary recommendation for children with GERD.
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