Question

a 52-year-old client is seeking treatment for menopause. she is not very active and has a history of cardiac problems. which therapy option should the nurse recognize as contraindicated for this client?

Answer 1

Hormone therapy (HT) may be contraindicated for a 52-year-old client with a history of cardiac problems and low activity levels due to the increased risk of cardiovascular events and breast cancer associated with HT, particularly estrogen or estrogen-plus-progestin regimens.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should recognize that hormone therapy (HT) with estrogen or estrogen-plus-progestin regimens may be contraindicated for this client due to her history of cardiac problems and inactivity. Studies, including those from the Women's Health Initiative, have shown an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack in some populations undergoing HT.

There have been conflicting results from various studies on the efficacy and safety of HT. While some have shown cardiovascular benefits and no increased risk for cancer, others have revealed a higher risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart attack. This inconsistency has led to hesitancy in recommending HT, especially for individuals with existing cardiac issues.

The available data and guidelines suggest that HT should be used cautiously, considering individual risk factors. In this context, a client with a sedentary lifestyle and cardiac history may not be the best candidate for HT, and alternative treatments for menopause symptoms should be considered.