Maternity Nursing Q 107

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When teaching a group of adolescents about variations in the length of the menstrual cycle, the nurse understands that the underlying mechanism is due to variations in which of the following phases?

  

     A. Menstrual phase

     B. Proliferative phase

     C. Secretory phase

     D. Ischemic phase

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Proliferative phase

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Variations in the length of the menstrual cycle are due to variations in the proliferative phase. In addition to ovarian follicle maturation, changes also occur in the endometrium during the first 14 days of the cycle, hence the term ‘proliferative phase.’ The increasing concentrations of estradiol strongly influence the endometrial changes that happen before ovulation.

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Option A: Menstruation is the elimination of the thickened lining of the uterus (endometrium) from the body through the vagina. Menstrual fluid contains blood, cells from the lining of the uterus (endometrial cells), and mucus. The average length of a period is between three days and one week.

Option C: The secretory phase always occurs from day 14 to day 28 of the cycle. Progesterone stimulated by LH is the dominant hormone during this phase to prepare the corpus luteum and the endometrium for possible fertilized ovum implantation

Option D: The final part of the secretory phase is the ischemic phase. The endometrium becomes pale and arteries constrict due to lower hormone release by the disintegrating corpus luteum.

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