Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 86
A client tells the nurse that she plans to use the rhythm method of birth control. The nurse is aware that the success of the rhythm method depends on the:
A. Age of the client
B. Frequency of intercourse
C. Regularity of the menses
D. Range of the client’s temperature
Correct Answer: C. Regularity of the menses
The success of the rhythm method of birth control is dependent on the client’s menses being regular. Women are only fertile (an egg is present) for a few days each month. Women using the rhythm method monitor their body and analyze their past menstrual cycles to try to determine when their fertile days are. They can then either choose to not have sex during those days, or can use a “barrier” form of birth control, such as condoms or spermicide.
Option A: The rhythm method is not dependent on the age of the client. The rhythm method works best for women whose cycles are consistent because it is easier to predict when she ovulates (releases an egg from her ovaries).
Option B: Rhythm method is not successful when based entirely on the frequency of intercourse. Most women will have a period 14 to 16 days after ovulation, regardless of the length of their overall cycle. Counting backward from the day their period begins can be a good way to know when they ovulated.
Option D: Basal temperature method relies on the client’s temperature during ovulation period. The basal body temperature method is a method of natural family planning that requires only the purchase of a very accurate thermometer. The method, which calls for tracking the woman’s body temperature on a daily basis, helps to determine which days of the month she is fertile.