NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics Page 1 of 32
NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide: Women's
Health Topics
Breast Health and Disorders
Female Breast Anatomy and Physiology
The breast consists of glandular, fibrous connective, and adipose tissue, with lobules
that produce milk connected to ducts leading to the nipple.
Hormonal regulation is crucial, primarily influenced by estrogen and progesterone
during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation.
Understanding breast anatomy is essential for recognizing normal versus abnormal
findings during clinical examinations.
Breast Cancer Risks and Screening Recommendations
Risk factors for breast cancer include increasing age, personal/family history, early
menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, hormone replacement therapy, alcohol use, and
obesity.
Genetic risks, particularly BRCA1/2 mutations, significantly elevate the lifetime risk of
breast and ovarian cancer.
Breast density is an independent risk factor that complicates mammogram
interpretation, necessitating tailored screening approaches.
Common Breast Disorders
Fibrocystic Breast Changes: Caused by hormonal fluctuations, presenting as cyclic
breast pain and lumps; managed with supportive measures and NSAIDs.
Fibroadenoma: A benign tumor often found in young women, characterized by a firm,
rubbery mass; management may involve observation or surgical removal if growth
occurs.
Fat Necrosis: Results from trauma, presenting as a painless mass; typically self-
resolving but may require imaging to rule out malignancy.
Breast Cancer Management
Page 1 NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health NUR
Topics.pdf
684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics.pdf
,NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics.pdf
NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics Page 2 of 32
Breast cancer can arise from genetic and environmental factors, presenting as a
painless lump or changes in the nipple.
Diagnosis involves mammograms and biopsies, with management options including
surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy.
Early detection through regular screening is crucial for improving outcomes.
Sexual Health
Sexual Response and Dysfunction
The sexual response cycle includes phases of desire, excitement, plateau, orgasm, and
resolution, which are essential for understanding sexual health.
The PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive
Therapy) provides a framework for addressing sexual health concerns.
Female sexual dysfunction encompasses desire, arousal, orgasmic, and pain disorders,
requiring a multifaceted management approach including education and counseling.
Male Erectile Dysfunction
Etiologies include vascular, neurologic, psychogenic, and medication-induced factors,
necessitating a thorough assessment.
Management strategies involve lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatments such
as PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil).
Addressing underlying health issues is critical for effective treatment.
STIs and Vaginal Infections
Overview of STIs and Reporting Requirements
Mandatory reporting exists for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis, and
chancroid to monitor public health.
Understanding normal vaginal secretions is crucial for differentiating between healthy
and pathological states.
Common STIs and Their Management
Page 2 NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health NUR
Topics.pdf
684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics.pdf
,NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics.pdf
NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics Page 3 of 32
Condition Risk Transmissio Screenin Symptoms Treatment Follow-
Factors n g up
BV New/multipl Not always Wet Thin gray Metronidazol If
e partners STI mount discharge e symptom
s persist
Candidiasis Antibiotics, Not STI Wet prep Itching, thick Fluconazole PRN
DM discharge
Trichomoniasi Unprotected Sexual Wet Frothy green Metronidazol Retest in
s sex mount, discharge e 3 months
NAAT
Chlamydia <25 years, Sexual NAAT Often Azithromycin Retest in
new partners asymptomati or 3 months
c doxycycline
Gonorrhea Same as Sexual NAAT Purulent Ceftriaxone Treat
above discharge partner
Syphilis MSM, HIV+ Sexual RPR, Chancre, Penicillin Partner
VDRL rash treatment
Herpes Any sexual Skin to skin PCR Painful Acyclovir Suppress
activity ulcers if
recurrent
HIV MSM, IV Blood, sexual ELISA, Flu-like, ART Regular
drugs Western asymptomati labs
blot c
Risk Reduction Counseling
Counseling should focus on limiting partners, condom use, routine testing, and
education about STIs.
High-risk individuals should receive vaccinations for Hepatitis B and HPV, along with
contraceptive education.
Contraception
Intrauterine Contraception (IUD)
The IUD works by creating chronic inflammatory changes in the endometrium, altering
sperm transport, and inhibiting fertilization.
Effectiveness is extremely high, comparable to sterilization, and it is rapidly reversible.
Page 3 NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health NUR
Topics.pdf
684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics.pdf
, NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics.pdf
NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics Page 4 of 32
Common side effects include prolonged heavy bleeding and dysmenorrhea, which can
be managed with NSAIDs.
Progestin Implant (Nexplanon)
The mechanism of action involves suppression of ovulation through the active
metabolite etonogestrel.
It offers a long-term contraceptive solution with minimal daily management required
from the user.
Follow-up care is essential to monitor for any complications or side effects.
Effectiveness and General
Considerations
Overview of Contraceptive Effectiveness
Contraceptive methods vary in effectiveness, with some being highly effective with
perfect use, while others have lower typical use rates.
Perfect use refers to using the method exactly as directed, while typical use accounts
for real-world factors such as missed doses or improper use.
For example, progestin-only pills have a perfect use effectiveness of 99.7% but drop to
91% under typical use conditions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Contraceptive Methods
Advantages include high effectiveness, reversibility, and discreetness of certain
methods, such as implants and IUDs.
Disadvantages often involve side effects like irregular bleeding, weight gain, and the
need for surgical procedures in permanent methods.
For instance, tubal occlusion is highly effective but comes with surgical risks and is
permanent.
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindications vary by method but commonly include known or suspected
pregnancy, history of thrombosis, and certain cancers.
Page 4 NUR 684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health NUR
Topics.pdf
684 Exam 4 Study Guide Women's Health Topics.pdf