The nurse is caring for a premenopausal client scheduled for a bilateral oophorectomy. Which education will the nurse provide the client regarding this procedure?

A. Amenorrhea: Uterine fibroids are more commonly associated with menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) or metrorrhagia (irregular bleeding) rather than amenorrhea. Fibroids cause increased uterine lining surface area and vascular congestion, leading to excessive rather than absent menstrual flow.

B. Chronic pelvic pain: Chronic pelvic pain or a feeling of pelvic pressure is a classic symptom of uterine fibroids. The enlarging fibroids can compress surrounding structures, causing discomfort, lower abdominal fullness, and sometimes radiating pain to the lower back or thighs.

C. Upper back pain: Fibroids are located in the uterus, within the pelvic cavity, and are unlikely to cause upper back pain. Pain from fibroids typically presents in the lower abdomen or pelvis due to localized pressure.

D. Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea are not typically associated with fibroids. If present, bowel symptoms are more likely due to large fibroids exerting pressure on the rectum, leading to constipation rather than increased bowel motility.

A. "I should avoid applying ice or heat to my genital area.": Applying ice packs wrapped in a clean cloth can help relieve pain and swelling associated with genital herpes. Heat, however, should be avoided as it may increase irritation.

B. "I need to wash my hands after touching any of the lesions.": Proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent autoinoculation or transmission of the herpes virus to other body parts or individuals. Washing hands thoroughly after contact with lesions helps minimize the risk of spreading the infection.

C. "I can try lukewarm sitz baths to help ease the discomfort.": Sitz baths using lukewarm water can soothe irritated tissues, promote cleanliness, and provide comfort during outbreaks. This measure helps relieve pain without aggravating the lesions.

D. "I need to abstain from intercourse primarily when the lesions are present.": Abstaining from sexual contact during active outbreaks reduces the risk of transmitting the herpes virus. However, even when lesions are absent, the virus can still shed asymptomatically, so barrier protection should always be recommended.