Final answer:
A nurse should tell a client prescribed estradiol to monitor and contact the provider if they experience leg swelling or pain, as it may indicate a blood clot.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse teaching a client about a new prescription for estradiol should inform the client to monitor for several potential adverse effects. Among these, the nurse should emphasize that leg swelling or pain is particularly concerning, as this could indicate a blood clot, which is a serious risk associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Other adverse effects of HRT can include an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, gall bladder disease, and potentially dementia. While symptoms such as increased libido, hot flashes, and breast tenderness might occur, these are not usually as immediately threatening as leg swelling or pain. It is important for the client to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any signs of leg swelling or pain during their course of treatment with estradiol.