A nurse is instructing a male patient on how to perform a testicular self-examination.
Which piece of information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale

Betamethasone, a corticosteroid, is not known to weaken uterine contractions. It is often administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturation and reduce complications associated with prematurity.

Choice B rationale

Betamethasone can potentially increase blood glucose levels, not decrease them. This is particularly relevant in women with gestational diabetes, as corticosteroids can exacerbate hyperglycemia.

Choice C rationale

Betamethasone does not typically decrease the fetal heart rate. Instead, it is used to help mature the lungs of the fetus.

Choice D rationale

Betamethasone is administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to enhance the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs. Surfactant is a substance that prevents the small air sacs in the lungs from collapsing, thereby aiding in the baby’s ability to breathe after birth.

Choice A rationale

Decreased follicle-stimulating hormone is not the major cause of the onset of menopause and the resulting atrophy of the vulvar organs. The major cause is decreased estrogen.

Choice B rationale

Increased levels of prostaglandin are not the major cause of the onset of menopause and the resulting atrophy of the vulvar organs. The major cause is decreased estrogen.

Choice C rationale

Decreased estrogen is the major cause of the onset of menopause and the resulting atrophy of the vulvar organs. During perimenopause, less estrogen may cause the tissues of the vulva and the lining of the vagina to become thinner, drier, and less elastic or flexible.

Choice D rationale

Increased luteinizing hormone is not the major cause of the onset of menopause and the resulting atrophy of the vulvar organs. The major cause is decreased estrogen.