Final answer:
A 13-year-old experiencing lower abdominal pain midway between periods is likely experiencing mittelschmerz, a common and typically benign pain associated with ovulation. If the pain is severe or there are other concerning symptoms, a physical examination may be necessary. Home remedies and over-the-counter pain medications can help manage mild mittelschmerz.
Step-by-step explanation:
A 13-year-old adolescent whose menses began 2 years ago complains of lower abdominal pain midway between each period. How should the nurse respond to the adolescent?
The correct response is that this is a common occurrence known as mittelschmerz. Mittelschmerz is a German term that translates to "middle pain," which describes the lower abdominal or pelvic pain that some women experience during ovulation, typically midway through their menstrual cycle. While it can be uncomfortable, it is generally not a cause for concern unless the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms. If the adolescent is experiencing severe pain, it may require a physical examination by a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions.
For mild cases of mittelschmerz, home remedies such as warm baths, heating pads, exercise, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may be sufficient to alleviate the discomfort. If the adolescent has concerns about the pain or if it disrupts her daily activities, it's important to seek medical advice. As the adolescent's menstrual cycle becomes more regular over time with regular ovulation, the occurrence of mittelschmerz may decrease or become more predictable.