NCLEX-Style Questions
1. A 50-year-old woman experiencing perimenopausal symptoms asks the nurse about the
changes she should expect. Which of the following is the most common symptom associated
with perimenopause?
A) Increased libido
B) Hot flashes
C) Amenorrhea
D) Excessive hair growth
Answer: B) Hot flashes
Rationale: Hot flashes are a hallmark symptom of perimenopause, often linked to hormonal
fluctuations. Increased libido and excessive hair growth are not common symptoms, and
amenorrhea occurs after menopause.
2. Which of the following is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis in a postmenopausal
woman?
A) Low body mass index
B) High calcium intake
C) Regular weight-bearing exercise
D) Use of hormone replacement therapy
Answer: A) Low body mass index
Rationale: Low body mass index (BMI) is a known risk factor for osteoporosis because it is
associated with less bone mass. High calcium intake, regular exercise, and hormone replacement
therapy all help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
3. A 55-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and diabetes is concerned about her
risk for cardiovascular disease after menopause. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
A) "Your risk for cardiovascular disease decreases significantly after menopause."
B) "Estrogen therapy can completely eliminate your risk of cardiovascular disease."
C) "The risk for cardiovascular disease increases after menopause, especially with underlying
conditions like hypertension and diabetes."
D) "Postmenopausal women are not at risk for cardiovascular disease if they manage their
diabetes."
Answer: C) "The risk for cardiovascular disease increases after menopause, especially with
underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes."
Rationale: After menopause, the loss of estrogen can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular
disease, especially when combined with conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
4. Which of the following medications is commonly used to alleviate hot flashes in women
experiencing menopause?
,A) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
B) Calcium supplements
C) Oral contraceptives
D) Bisphosphonates
Answer: A) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Rationale: SSRIs, such as venlafaxine, are used off-label to reduce hot flashes in menopause.
Calcium supplements and bisphosphonates help with bone health, and oral contraceptives are not
typically used during menopause.
5. A woman in menopause is considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Which of
the following is a potential side effect of HRT?
A) Weight loss
B) Increased risk of breast cancer
C) Decreased risk of heart disease
D) Reduced risk of osteoporosis
Answer: B) Increased risk of breast cancer
Rationale: Hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer, especially
when used long-term. While HRT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and may help with heart
disease, it comes with risks such as an increased risk of breast cancer.
6. Which lifestyle modification should the nurse recommend to a 55-year-old woman who is
at risk for osteoporosis?
A) High-protein diet
B) High-impact exercises
C) Smoking cessation
D) Reducing calcium intake
Answer: C) Smoking cessation
Rationale: Smoking is a major risk factor for osteoporosis and other chronic health conditions.
A balanced diet with adequate calcium, weight-bearing exercises, and smoking cessation are
essential for bone health.
7. A woman in her early 50s reports frequent mood swings and feelings of irritability. She
also notes irregular periods and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are most likely
associated with:
A) Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
B) Early menopause
C) Hypothyroidism
D) Generalized anxiety disorder
, Answer: B) Early menopause
Rationale: The combination of mood swings, irregular periods, and sleep disturbances suggests
early menopause. PMS generally occurs before the menstrual cycle, and hypothyroidism is not
typically associated with these symptoms.
8. A 60-year-old woman presents with vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
The nurse should recommend which of the following?
A) Use of a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant
B) Douching with mild soap and water
C) Engaging in pelvic floor exercises
D) Starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) immediately
Answer: A) Use of a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant
Rationale: Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause. A vaginal moisturizer or
lubricant can provide relief. Douching is not recommended, pelvic exercises are beneficial for
pelvic health, and HRT is an option but not the first-line treatment for vaginal dryness.
9. Which of the following is a major risk factor for depression in midlife women?
A) Being a non-smoker
B) Experiencing major life changes or stress
C) Regular exercise
D) Consuming a high-protein diet
Answer: B) Experiencing major life changes or stress
Rationale: Major life changes, such as the loss of a spouse, children leaving home, or financial
concerns, can increase the risk of depression in midlife women. Regular exercise is protective,
and a high-protein diet is not directly linked to depression.
10. A woman who has just entered menopause expresses concern about the effect of
menopause on her sexual health. Which of the following is the nurse’s best response?
A) "Most women find that menopause decreases their sexual desire permanently."
B) "Many women experience changes in sexual desire, but it is possible to maintain a healthy
sexual life after menopause."
C) "There is no need to worry; menopause will have no effect on your sexual health."
D) "You should consider hormone replacement therapy to avoid any sexual health issues."
Answer: B) "Many women experience changes in sexual desire, but it is possible to
maintain a healthy sexual life after menopause."
Rationale: While menopause can affect sexual desire due to hormonal changes, many women
can maintain an active and fulfilling sexual life through communication with their partner, use of
lubricants, and addressing any psychological factors.
1. A 50-year-old woman experiencing perimenopausal symptoms asks the nurse about the
changes she should expect. Which of the following is the most common symptom associated
with perimenopause?
A) Increased libido
B) Hot flashes
C) Amenorrhea
D) Excessive hair growth
Answer: B) Hot flashes
Rationale: Hot flashes are a hallmark symptom of perimenopause, often linked to hormonal
fluctuations. Increased libido and excessive hair growth are not common symptoms, and
amenorrhea occurs after menopause.
2. Which of the following is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis in a postmenopausal
woman?
A) Low body mass index
B) High calcium intake
C) Regular weight-bearing exercise
D) Use of hormone replacement therapy
Answer: A) Low body mass index
Rationale: Low body mass index (BMI) is a known risk factor for osteoporosis because it is
associated with less bone mass. High calcium intake, regular exercise, and hormone replacement
therapy all help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
3. A 55-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and diabetes is concerned about her
risk for cardiovascular disease after menopause. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
A) "Your risk for cardiovascular disease decreases significantly after menopause."
B) "Estrogen therapy can completely eliminate your risk of cardiovascular disease."
C) "The risk for cardiovascular disease increases after menopause, especially with underlying
conditions like hypertension and diabetes."
D) "Postmenopausal women are not at risk for cardiovascular disease if they manage their
diabetes."
Answer: C) "The risk for cardiovascular disease increases after menopause, especially with
underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes."
Rationale: After menopause, the loss of estrogen can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular
disease, especially when combined with conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
4. Which of the following medications is commonly used to alleviate hot flashes in women
experiencing menopause?
,A) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
B) Calcium supplements
C) Oral contraceptives
D) Bisphosphonates
Answer: A) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Rationale: SSRIs, such as venlafaxine, are used off-label to reduce hot flashes in menopause.
Calcium supplements and bisphosphonates help with bone health, and oral contraceptives are not
typically used during menopause.
5. A woman in menopause is considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Which of
the following is a potential side effect of HRT?
A) Weight loss
B) Increased risk of breast cancer
C) Decreased risk of heart disease
D) Reduced risk of osteoporosis
Answer: B) Increased risk of breast cancer
Rationale: Hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer, especially
when used long-term. While HRT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and may help with heart
disease, it comes with risks such as an increased risk of breast cancer.
6. Which lifestyle modification should the nurse recommend to a 55-year-old woman who is
at risk for osteoporosis?
A) High-protein diet
B) High-impact exercises
C) Smoking cessation
D) Reducing calcium intake
Answer: C) Smoking cessation
Rationale: Smoking is a major risk factor for osteoporosis and other chronic health conditions.
A balanced diet with adequate calcium, weight-bearing exercises, and smoking cessation are
essential for bone health.
7. A woman in her early 50s reports frequent mood swings and feelings of irritability. She
also notes irregular periods and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are most likely
associated with:
A) Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
B) Early menopause
C) Hypothyroidism
D) Generalized anxiety disorder
, Answer: B) Early menopause
Rationale: The combination of mood swings, irregular periods, and sleep disturbances suggests
early menopause. PMS generally occurs before the menstrual cycle, and hypothyroidism is not
typically associated with these symptoms.
8. A 60-year-old woman presents with vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
The nurse should recommend which of the following?
A) Use of a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant
B) Douching with mild soap and water
C) Engaging in pelvic floor exercises
D) Starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) immediately
Answer: A) Use of a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant
Rationale: Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause. A vaginal moisturizer or
lubricant can provide relief. Douching is not recommended, pelvic exercises are beneficial for
pelvic health, and HRT is an option but not the first-line treatment for vaginal dryness.
9. Which of the following is a major risk factor for depression in midlife women?
A) Being a non-smoker
B) Experiencing major life changes or stress
C) Regular exercise
D) Consuming a high-protein diet
Answer: B) Experiencing major life changes or stress
Rationale: Major life changes, such as the loss of a spouse, children leaving home, or financial
concerns, can increase the risk of depression in midlife women. Regular exercise is protective,
and a high-protein diet is not directly linked to depression.
10. A woman who has just entered menopause expresses concern about the effect of
menopause on her sexual health. Which of the following is the nurse’s best response?
A) "Most women find that menopause decreases their sexual desire permanently."
B) "Many women experience changes in sexual desire, but it is possible to maintain a healthy
sexual life after menopause."
C) "There is no need to worry; menopause will have no effect on your sexual health."
D) "You should consider hormone replacement therapy to avoid any sexual health issues."
Answer: B) "Many women experience changes in sexual desire, but it is possible to
maintain a healthy sexual life after menopause."
Rationale: While menopause can affect sexual desire due to hormonal changes, many women
can maintain an active and fulfilling sexual life through communication with their partner, use of
lubricants, and addressing any psychological factors.
