Answer:
The nurse should explain to the 12-year-old client that the menstrual cycle is a monthly process involving the shedding of the uterine lining, which occurs if there is no pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the menstrual cycle, the body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy each month. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterine lining is shed through the vagina, resulting in menstruation. The cycle involves hormonal changes, with the release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation), and the thickening and subsequent shedding of the uterine lining.
Understanding the menstrual cycle is a crucial aspect of reproductive health for young individuals. It signifies the body's natural processes and prepares them for potential future pregnancies. The nurse should reassure the client that experiencing variations in the menstrual cycle length and symptoms is normal during adolescence.