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
At 18 months, a toddler is typically able to build a tower of only two to three cubes with coordination and intentional stacking. Building a tower of six cubes requires more developed fine motor skills and spatial reasoning.
Choice B rationale
By 36 months (3 years), most children can build a tower of more than six cubes, often reaching eight or more. This age reflects significant advancements in their fine motor control and hand-eye coordination.
Choice C rationale
At 24 months (2 years), a toddler typically develops the fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination necessary to build a tower of approximately six to seven cubes with relative stability. This milestone is a common indicator of developmental progress in this age range.
Choice D rationale
At 12 months (1 year), most infants are still developing their fine motor skills and are typically only able to stack one or two cubes, often more through trial and error than intentional building of a tall tower. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Scoliosis screening typically begins around age 10 to coincide with the onset of the adolescent growth spurt, when the curvature of the spine is most likely to progress. Early detection during this period allows for timely intervention and management to prevent severe spinal deformities.
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