Women’s Health Brochure
Module 01 Content
1.
Competency
Identify multidimensional nursing care strategies for clients with reproductive system disorders.
Scenario
You work in a gynecological office, and your office has been asked to participate in a women’s health fair. The focus of the fair is health promotion. Preventative screening for female reproductive disorders is vital to identify and treat rapidly to produce the best patient outcomes. Preventative screening includes a mammogram and Pap smear and should be performed based on recommended age and associated risk factors. To promote preventative screening, your office will be creating brochures to distribute at the health fair.
Instructions
Design a women’s health brochure by choosing one of the female reproductive disorders covered in this module. In the brochure, include the following:
o Overview of the disease including disease process, signs and symptoms, and risk factors
o Preventative screening
o Diagnostics tests
o Treatment
o Multidimensional nursing care interventions
Endometriosis Brochure
Overview of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disorder where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. This displaced endometrial tissue responds to the menstrual cycle in the same way as the endometrium inside the uterus, breaking down and bleeding with each cycle. However, unlike the endometrium inside the uterus, this displaced tissue has no way to exit the body. This results in internal bleeding and inflammation, causing pain and sometimes scar tissue and adhesions to form.
Endometriosis is a common disorder, affecting approximately one in ten women during their reproductive years (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2022). The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but risk factors include a family history of endometriosis, early menstruation, and never having been pregnant (MedlinePlus, 2023). Symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements or urination during periods, heavy bleeding, and infertility (MedlinePlus, 2023). Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Preventative Screening
While endometriosis itself cannot be prevented, early detection and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Women should see their gynecologist if symptoms of endometriosis are present or if they have a family history of the disorder. A pelvic exam allows the gynecologist to feel for any masses, adhesions, or other abnormalities associated with endometriosis. Transvaginal ultrasounds can also detect cysts or growths associated with endometriosis (ACOG, 2022).
Diagnostic Tests
If endometriosis is suspected based on symptoms and exam findings, a laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis. During this minor surgical procedure, a small camera is inserted through a small incision near the navel to view the pelvic organs directly. This allows the gynecologist to see any endometrial growths, adhesions, or scarring associated with endometriosis (ACOG, 2022). Tissue samples may also be taken during laparoscopy for biopsy and confirmation of endometriosis.
Treatment
Treatment for endometriosis depends on factors like a woman’s symptoms, desire for fertility, and disease severity and location. Mild cases may be treated with over-the-counter pain medications and lifestyle changes. Moderate to severe cases often require prescription medications like hormonal contraceptives or other medications to suppress menstruation and reduce estrogen levels and symptoms (ACOG, 2022). Surgical procedures like laparoscopy can also be used to remove endometrial growths, adhesions, or scar tissue. For severe, extensive endometriosis, a hysterectomy may be recommended (MedlinePlus, 2023). Multidisciplinary care including pain management, counseling, and physical therapy can also help women cope with endometriosis.
Multidimensional Nursing Care
Nurses play an important role in the multidimensional care of women with endometriosis. This includes:
Education on disease process, treatment options, and lifestyle strategies to manage symptoms (Mayo Clinic, 2022)
Counseling to cope with infertility issues and maintain emotional well-being (ACOG, 2022)
Pain management through medication, relaxation, and physical therapy (ACOG, 2022)
Care coordination to ensure all treatment needs are addressed (MedlinePlus, 2023)
Support groups to reduce isolation and empower self-advocacy (Endometriosis Foundation of America, n.d.)
In conclusion, endometriosis is a common disorder that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Early detection through preventative screening and treatment tailored to each woman’s needs can help manage symptoms and quality of life.
Works Cited
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022, August). Endometriosis. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis
Endometriosis Foundation of America. (n.d.). Support groups. https://www.endofound.org/find-support homework help writing assignment service.
Mayo Clinic. (2022, February 8). Endometriosis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372434
MedlinePlus. (2023, January 18). Endometriosis. https://medlineplus.gov/endometriosis.html
