NSG 3500 Exam 1 units (1,2,3) knowledge check notes
Unit 1
The Menstrual Cycle
Uterine Cycle
Phases and What Occurs:
1. Menses Phase
o Shedding of the endometrial lining due to low estrogen and progesterone levels.
2. Proliferative Phase
o Endometrium regenerates under the influence of estrogen; prepares for potential
implantation.
3. Secretory Phase
o After ovulation, progesterone dominates; endometrium thickens and becomes
more vascular and glandular.
4. Ischemic Phase
o If fertilization doesn’t occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, hormones drop, and
endometrial blood supply is cut off, leading to tissue breakdown and menstruation.
Hormonal Functions:
• Estrogen: Promotes endometrial growth during the proliferative phase.
• Progesterone: Stabilizes and prepares the endometrium during the secretory phase.
• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): Stimulates follicle growth in ovaries.
• LH (luteinizing hormone): Triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Cycle
• The hypothalamus releases GnRH → stimulates the pituitary to release FSH and LH.
• FSH promotes follicle development.
• LH surge causes ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
• The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and some estrogen to maintain endometrium.
• If no pregnancy occurs, corpus luteum regresses, leading to decreased hormones and
menstruation .
Follicular and Luteal Phases
• Follicular Phase (Days 1–14): Follicle grows; estrogen rises; ends with ovulation.
, • Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): Corpus luteum forms; progesterone rises to support possible
pregnancy; ends if fertilization doesn't occur.
Menopause
Phases and Signs/Symptoms:
1. Climacteric Phase: Transition from reproductive to nonreproductive years.
2. Perimenopausal Phase: Irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings.
3. Menopause: No menstruation for 12 months; decreased estrogen.
4. Postmenopausal Phase: Atrophic changes in vagina, skin, bones; increased risk for
osteoporosis and heart disease.
Patient Teaching:
• Encourage calcium/vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, and hormone therapy
discussions.
• Discuss lifestyle adjustments for hot flashes and vaginal dryness .
Sexual Maturation
Hormonal Roles & Events:
• Puberty: Initiated by GnRH → FSH/LH → gonadal hormone production.
• Thelarche: Breast development due to estrogen.
• Menarche: First menstruation, typically follows thelarche by 2 years.
• Males: Testosterone causes testicular growth, spermatogenesis, deepening voice, muscle
development .
Infertility
Nurse’s Role:
• Provide emotional support, educate on treatment options, assist with scheduling and
procedures.
Diagnosis:
• Initiated after 1 year of unprotected intercourse (<35 years) or 6 months (≥35 years).
Medications:
Unit 1
The Menstrual Cycle
Uterine Cycle
Phases and What Occurs:
1. Menses Phase
o Shedding of the endometrial lining due to low estrogen and progesterone levels.
2. Proliferative Phase
o Endometrium regenerates under the influence of estrogen; prepares for potential
implantation.
3. Secretory Phase
o After ovulation, progesterone dominates; endometrium thickens and becomes
more vascular and glandular.
4. Ischemic Phase
o If fertilization doesn’t occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, hormones drop, and
endometrial blood supply is cut off, leading to tissue breakdown and menstruation.
Hormonal Functions:
• Estrogen: Promotes endometrial growth during the proliferative phase.
• Progesterone: Stabilizes and prepares the endometrium during the secretory phase.
• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): Stimulates follicle growth in ovaries.
• LH (luteinizing hormone): Triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Cycle
• The hypothalamus releases GnRH → stimulates the pituitary to release FSH and LH.
• FSH promotes follicle development.
• LH surge causes ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
• The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and some estrogen to maintain endometrium.
• If no pregnancy occurs, corpus luteum regresses, leading to decreased hormones and
menstruation .
Follicular and Luteal Phases
• Follicular Phase (Days 1–14): Follicle grows; estrogen rises; ends with ovulation.
, • Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): Corpus luteum forms; progesterone rises to support possible
pregnancy; ends if fertilization doesn't occur.
Menopause
Phases and Signs/Symptoms:
1. Climacteric Phase: Transition from reproductive to nonreproductive years.
2. Perimenopausal Phase: Irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings.
3. Menopause: No menstruation for 12 months; decreased estrogen.
4. Postmenopausal Phase: Atrophic changes in vagina, skin, bones; increased risk for
osteoporosis and heart disease.
Patient Teaching:
• Encourage calcium/vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, and hormone therapy
discussions.
• Discuss lifestyle adjustments for hot flashes and vaginal dryness .
Sexual Maturation
Hormonal Roles & Events:
• Puberty: Initiated by GnRH → FSH/LH → gonadal hormone production.
• Thelarche: Breast development due to estrogen.
• Menarche: First menstruation, typically follows thelarche by 2 years.
• Males: Testosterone causes testicular growth, spermatogenesis, deepening voice, muscle
development .
Infertility
Nurse’s Role:
• Provide emotional support, educate on treatment options, assist with scheduling and
procedures.
Diagnosis:
• Initiated after 1 year of unprotected intercourse (<35 years) or 6 months (≥35 years).
Medications:
