Practice Question
The nurse examines a client who is concerned about the amount of menstrual flow she is having. Which finding indicates an abnormality related to the client's current menstruation?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Blood saturation of one pad an hour.
Rationale:
🟦 Saturating one pad per hour is a clinical red flag for menorrhagia, meaning abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding.
🟦 This degree of bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, hypovolemia, and fatigue, and may indicate an underlying condition such as fibroids, hormonal imbalance, bleeding disorders, or endometrial pathology.
🟦 Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as blood loss exceeding 80 mL per cycle, and one-pad-per-hour saturation is a recognized indicator exceeding normal limits.
🟦 This finding requires prompt evaluation, documentation, and possibly laboratory testing (CBC, ferritin) and gynecologic follow-up.
🟦 Therefore, this option clearly demonstrates an abnormal menstrual pattern needing medical attention.
❌ Incorrect Options Explained
Cramping associated with the amount of flow
— Mild to moderate cramping is normal during menstruation and typically correlates with prostaglandin release.
— Not an abnormality unless pain is severe or debilitating.
Blood clots sized at 0.5 cm (0.2 in)
— Small clots (<1 inch) are within normal menstrual physiology and occur from pooled blood in the uterus.
Odorless, red menstrual blood flow
— This is normal.
— Menstrual blood should be red to dark red and should not have a foul odor.
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This question is from Fall 2025-BSN -246 RN Health Assessment which contains 59 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: Health Assessment
- Answer Choices: 4