Reproductive Health and Nursing Care

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to reproductive health and nursing care, based on the provided lecture notes.

Scope of Practice

The range of responsibilities and practices that healthcare professionals, such as RNs and PNs, are authorized to perform, which may vary by state.

Sexual Function

An essential component of health and self-concept, whose alterations can have negative physiological and psychosocial impacts.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly cycle that includes the follicular phase and luteal phase, characterized by hormonal changes and menstruation.

Menopause

A natural biological process signifying the end of a woman's reproductive period, typically occurring around age 51, characterized by a decrease in estrogen.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation that can be primary (not associated with other conditions) or secondary (linked to conditions such as endometriosis).

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation, which may be primary (never having menstruated) or secondary (previously had menstrual cycles but ceased).

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

A condition characterized by a variety of physiological and psychological symptoms occurring before menstruation.

Endometriosis

A chronic, estrogen-dependent condition characterized by endometrial-like glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity that can cause pain and infertility.

Prostatitis

An inflammatory condition of the prostate gland that can be bacterial or nonbacterial, presenting with pain and urinary dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance, influenced by a variety of physical and psychological factors.

Gender-Affirming Care

Health care designed for transgender individuals that includes hormone therapy, surgeries, and appropriate counseling.

Human Trafficking

The exploitation of individuals through force or fraud for various purposes, including sexual exploitation or forced labor.

Psychological Abuse

A form of partner violence that includes emotional harm, control, and humiliation.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to serious complications like infertility and chronic pain.

STI Screening

The process of testing sexually active individuals for sexually transmitted infections to prevent complications and facilitate early treatment.

Fibrocystic Breast Changes

Benign changes in breast tissue that may cause lumpiness and tenderness, often related to hormonal fluctuations.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Medications commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, sometimes used in severe PMS and PMDD.

Bacterial Vaginosis

A bacterial infection in the vagina that is not an STI but increases the risk for STIs and is often characterized by a fishy odor.

Gonorrhea

A common bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, often asymptomatic in women but can lead to serious reproductive health issues if untreated.

Chlamydia

The most common bacterial STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, often asymptomatic and requiring routine screening.

Syphilis

A bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum, which occurs in stages and can lead to serious long-term health issues without treatment.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

A group of viruses that can cause genital warts and are associated with several cancers, often preventable with vaccination.