Maternity Nursing Q 141
An adult female patient is using the rhythm (calendar-basal body temperature) method of family planning. In this method, the unsafe period for sexual intercourse is indicated by:
A. Return preovulatory basal body temperature.
B. Basal body temperature increase of 0.1 degrees to 0.2 degrees on the 2nd or 3rd day of cycle.
C. 3 full days of elevated basal body temperature and clear, thin cervical mucus.
D. Breast tenderness and mittelschmerz.
Correct Answer: C. 3 full days of elevated basal body temperature and clear, thin cervical mucus.
Ovulation (the period when pregnancy can occur) is accompanied by a basal body temperature increase of 0.7 degrees F to 0.8 degrees F and clear, thin cervical mucus.
Option A: A return to the preovulatory body temperature indicates a safe period for sexual intercourse.
Option B: A slight rise in basal temperature early in the cycle is not significant. Ovulation may cause a slight increase in basal body temperature.
Option D: Breast tenderness and mittelschmerz are not reliable indicators of ovulation. Mittelschmerz is one-sided, lower abdominal pain associated with ovulation. It occurs midway through a menstrual cycle.