Question

A nurse is teaching a client who is experiencing age-related vaginal atrophy and has a prescription for estradiol cream. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A) Apply the cream to the face and neck
B) Use the cream as a contraceptive method
C) Insert the applicator deep into the vagina
D) Apply the cream to irritated skin only

Answer 1

The nurse should include in the teaching that the client needs to insert the applicator deep into the vagina, and not to use estradiol cream for other purposes such as applying to the face, as a contraceptive, or only to irritated skin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should instruct the client to insert the applicator deep into the vagina when applying estradiol cream for the treatment of age-related vaginal atrophy. The cream is designed to be delivered directly to the vaginal tissues where it can help to alleviate symptoms by restoring estrogen levels, which declines during menopause, leading to vaginal dryness and atrophy. It is important to clarify that estradiol cream should not be applied to the face and neck, as it is not designed for this use. Additionally, the cream does not function as a contraceptive method; therefore, it should not be used with the expectation of preventing pregnancy. Lastly, application should be consistent as prescribed, not solely to irritated skin, to achieve the therapeutic benefits of the treatment.