Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids ( 15 Questions)
A nurse is discussing complications of uterine fibroids with a group of clients.
Which complications should the nurse include in the discussion?
Bowel obstruction. Uterine fibroids can grow and press against the intestines, potentially leading to bowel obstruction. The rationale behind this choice is that as fibroids increase in size, they can exert pressure on adjacent structures, including the bowel. Symptoms of bowel obstruction can include abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea. Therefore, it is crucial to inform clients about this potential complication so they can seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms.
Hypertension. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not a known complication of uterine fibroids. There is no direct physiological link between fibroids and hypertension. Therefore, this choice is not relevant to the discussion of fibroid complications.
Urinary tract problems. Uterine fibroids can cause urinary tract problems, such as urinary frequency, urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder. Large fibroids can press against the bladder and obstruct the urethra, leading to these symptoms. Clients should be educated about this potential complication to seek prompt medical evaluation and management.
Preterm labor and delivery. Uterine fibroids can increase the risk of preterm labor and delivery. Fibroids may disrupt the normal architecture of the uterus, causing it to contract prematurely. This can result in preterm birth, which carries its own set of risks for both the mother and the baby. It is essential for pregnant clients with fibroids to be aware of this complication and receive appropriate prenatal care and monitoring.
Anemia. Uterine fibroids can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), which, if left untreated, can cause iron-deficiency anemia over time. Menorrhagia is a common symptom of fibroids and can result in fatigue, weakness, and pallor due to chronic blood loss. Clients should be informed about this potential complication and encouraged to seek treatment for their heavy menstrual bleeding.
Choice A rationale:
Bowel obstruction.
Uterine fibroids can grow and press against the intestines, potentially leading to bowel obstruction.
The rationale behind this choice is that as fibroids increase in size, they can exert pressure on adjacent structures, including the bowel.
Symptoms of bowel obstruction can include abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea.
Therefore, it is crucial to inform clients about this potential complication so they can seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Hypertension.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not a known complication of uterine fibroids.
There is no direct physiological link between fibroids and hypertension.
Therefore, this choice is not relevant to the discussion of fibroid complications.
Choice C rationale:
Urinary tract problems.
Uterine fibroids can cause urinary tract problems, such as urinary frequency, urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder.
Large fibroids can press against the bladder and obstruct the urethra, leading to these symptoms.
Clients should be educated about this potential complication to seek prompt medical evaluation and management.
Choice D rationale:
Preterm labor and delivery.
Uterine fibroids can increase the risk of preterm labor and delivery.
Fibroids may disrupt the normal architecture of the uterus, causing it to contract prematurely.
This can result in preterm birth, which carries its own set of risks for both the mother and the baby.
It is essential for pregnant clients with fibroids to be aware of this complication and receive appropriate prenatal care and monitoring.
Choice E rationale:
Anemia.
Uterine fibroids can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), which, if left untreated, can cause iron-deficiency anemia over time.
Menorrhagia is a common symptom of fibroids and can result in fatigue, weakness, and pallor due to chronic blood loss.
Clients should be informed about this potential complication and encouraged to seek treatment for their heavy menstrual bleeding.