Discussion questions
For this assignment, you will review the latest evidence based guidelines as they pertain to the case below. At least 5 references not older than 5 years old. APA format
Ms. Martin is a 55-year-old woman who has been on HRT for 4 years. HRT was prescribed because Ms. Martin was experiencing vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. Her last mammogram was 2 years ago and last pap was 5 years ago. Ms. Martin made an appointment with her nurse practitioner to discuss discontinuing HRT after hearing and reading news reports about the dangers associated with the medication. Except for the HRT, Ms. Martin is taking no medication other than a daily vitamin. She had a tubal ligation after the birth of her third child but has had no other surgeries or history of any medical conditions. Her father had cardiovascular disease and died of a myocardial infarction at 77 years of age. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 81 years of age. Ms. Martin does not smoke and rarely drinks alcohol. She likes to work in her garden but is not involved in a formal exercise program. She has gained about 10 pounds since menopause.
What evidence-based information will you provide to Ms. Martin regarding her concerns of HRT?
Discuss the advantages and risks associated with HRT.
What are your recommendations for Ms. Martin?
Will you recommend continuing or discontinuing HRT and why?
What alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms will you discuss with Ms. Martin?
Discuss the recommended screening tests, using the latest evidence based guidelines that Ms. Martin should have.
What health promotion, maintenance, and prevention education would be important to provide to Ms. Martin?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This case scenario involves a 55-year-old woman who has been on HRT for 4 years and has made an appointment with her nurse practitioner to discuss discontinuing HRT after hearing and reading news reports about the dangers associated with the medication. The aim of this assignment is to provide evidence-based information for Ms. Martin’s concerns on HRT, discuss the advantages and risks associated with HRT, recommend alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms, and discuss the recommended screening tests and health promotion, maintenance, and prevention education.
1. What evidence-based information will you provide to Ms. Martin regarding her concerns of HRT?
The evidence-based information I will provide to Ms. Martin regarding her concerns about HRT includes that HRT is effective in reducing vasomotor symptoms and the risk of osteoporosis. However, HRT also has risks, which include an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke. The risks associated with HRT vary depending on the type of hormone therapy used. It is important to note that individual health history and risk factors should always be considered when making decisions about hormone therapy.
2. Discuss the advantages and risks associated with HRT.
The advantages of HRT include reducing vasomotor symptoms, preserving bone density, and reducing the risk of colon cancer. HRT may also improve mood and cognitive function. The risks associated with HRT include an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, heart disease, and stroke. The risks of HRT depend on several factors such as the type of hormone therapy used, the duration of use, and individual health history and risk factors.
3. What are your recommendations for Ms. Martin?
My recommendations for Ms. Martin would depend on her individual health history and risk factors. However, in general, for a relatively healthy woman with no significant risk factors for heart disease or breast cancer, I would recommend discontinuing HRT gradually to minimize withdrawal symptoms. I would also recommend discussing alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms and regular bone density screening.
4. Will you recommend continuing or discontinuing HRT and why?
In Ms. Martin’s case, I would recommend discontinuing HRT gradually due to the potential risks associated with long-term HRT use and her family history of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer.
5. What alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms will you discuss with Ms. Martin?
The alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms that I would discuss with Ms. Martin include non-hormonal therapies such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), gabapentin, and clonidine. I would also recommend lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, stress reduction, and getting adequate sleep.
6. Discuss the recommended screening tests, using the latest evidence-based guidelines that Ms. Martin should have.
The recommended screening tests for Ms. Martin include mammography every 1-2 years depending on individual risk factors for breast cancer, Pap smear every 3-5 years depending on individual risk factors for cervical cancer, and bone density screening every 2-3 years for women over age 65 or those with risk factors for osteoporosis.
7. What health promotion, maintenance, and prevention education would be important to provide to Ms. Martin?
Health promotion, maintenance, and prevention education that would be important to provide to Ms. Martin includes regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol intake, and stress reduction techniques. I would also stress the importance of regular screening tests and adherence to recommended preventive healthcare guidelines.
