A woman is admitted for repair of cystocele and rectocele. She has nine living children. In taking her health history, what would the nurse expect to find?

Choice A: A 26-year-old client who has migraine headaches at the start of each menstrual cycle does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives are pills that contain synthetic hormones (estrogen and progestin) that prevent ovulation and pregnancy. They can also help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual pain and bleeding. Some women with migraine headaches may benefit from oral contraceptives, especially if their migraines are related to hormonal fluctuations or menstruation. However, oral contraceptives may worsen migraines in some women, especially if they have aura (visual or sensory disturbances) or other risk factors for stroke. Therefore, oral contraceptives should be used with caution and under medical supervision in women with migraine headaches.

Choice B: A 28-year-old client who has a history of pelvic inflammatory disease does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries) that can cause pain, fever, discharge, or infertility. It can be caused by various bacteria, often sexually transmitted ones such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Oral contraceptives do not protect against STIs or PID, but they may reduce the risk of PID by thickening the cervical mucus and preventing bacteria from entering the uterus. Therefore, oral contraceptives can be used safely in women with a history of PID, but they should also use condoms or other barrier methods to prevent STIs.

Choice C: A 32-year-old client who has benign breast disease does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Benign breast disease (BBD) is a term that refers to various noncancerous conditions that affect the breast tissue, such as cysts, fibroadenomas, or mastitis. They can cause symptoms such as lumps, pain, or tenderness in the breasts. Oral contraceptives do not cause or increase the risk of BBD, but they may improve some symptoms of BBD by stabilizing the hormonal levels and reducing breast tissue sensitivity. Therefore, oral contraceptives can be used safely in women with BBD, but they should also have regular breast exams and mammograms to monitor their breast health.

Choice D: A 38-year-old client who reports smoking one pack of cigarettes every day has a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Smoking is a habit that involves inhaling the smoke of tobacco or other substances that can cause various health problems, such as lung cancer, heart disease, or stroke. Oral contraceptives can increase the risk of these problems, especially in women who are older than 35 years or smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day. Smoking and oral contraceptives can interact and cause blood clots, high blood pressure, or reduced blood flow to the organs. Therefore, oral contraceptives should be avoided or discontinued in women who smoke, and alternative methods of contraception should be used.

Choice A: Refusing to look at the dressing or surgical incision is the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate difficulty adjusting to the loss of her breast. Refusing to look at the dressing or surgical incision may reflect denial, avoidance, or fear of facing the reality of the surgery and its consequences. It may also indicate low self-esteem, body image disturbance, or depression. The nurse should assess the client's emotional state and provide support and education.

Choice B: Asking questions about the information on her postoperative care pamphlet is not the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate a positive adjustment to the loss of her breast. Asking questions about the information on her postoperative care pamphlet may reflect acceptance, curiosity, or motivation to learn about her condition and treatment. It may also indicate high self-efficacy, coping skills, or optimism. The nurse should encourage the client's involvement and provide clear and accurate information.

Choice C: Performing arm exercises once or twice a day is not the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate a positive adjustment to the loss of her breast. Performing arm exercises once or twice a day may reflect compliance, responsibility, or self-care. It may also indicate physical recovery, functional ability, or quality of life. The nurse should reinforce the client's efforts and provide feedback and guidance.

Choice D: Asking for pain medication every 3 hours is not the correct answer because it is a behavior that may indicate a normal response to the loss of her breast. Asking for pain medication every 3 hours may reflect pain management, comfort, or relief. It may also indicate trust, communication, or satisfaction with care. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and provide adequate and timely pain relief.