Question

A single male caregiver of a 14-year-old girl accompanies his daughter to her pre-high school physical. In the course of discussion about how his daughter is developing, he remarks, "She's terrific most of the time. Of course when she gets her period, she's miserable and mean, but I tell her that's just what it's like to be a woman." Of the following statements, which would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?

1) PMS is a problem for a lot of women, but sometimes it's worse in the beginning. She might outgrow it.
2) There are nutritional and medical things she can do to lessen the symptoms; I'll give both of you information about some strategies and we'll track her for a few months.
3) That doesn't make being a woman sound very good. It would probably be easier for her if you could be more supportive.
4) That must be hard on you, especially because you are raising her by yourself.

Answer 1

The best nurse response would be to provide nutritional and medical strategies to lessen menstrual symptoms, educating the patient and caregiver, thus highlighting that periods can be managed with appropriate support.

Step-by-step explanation:

Of the choices presented, the second option would likely be the most appropriate response for a nurse to give. This response offers a constructive way forward by proposing nutritional and medical strategies to help the daughter manage her symptoms. It also includes the caregiver in the process by offering to provide information to both, suggesting that the daughter's menstrual symptoms can be addressed and perhaps improved with the right interventions, rather than being dismissed as simply a part of womanhood.

Menarche can be a challenging time for adolescents, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can exacerbate the discomfort and irregularity associated with menstruation. With a proper diagnosis and management plan, the nurse can reassure the patient and her caregiver that there are steps they can take to better manage her symptoms.