A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected Endometriosis.
The patient reports experiencing pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility.
Which of the following statements by the nurse would be appropriate when discussing the patient's symptoms?

Choice A rationale:

Surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is not the only effective treatment for endometriosis.

While it can be a treatment option in severe cases, it is not the first-line treatment and is typically reserved for cases where other treatments have failed or when the patient no longer desires fertility.

This option does not consider less invasive treatments that can be effective.

Choice C rationale:

Endometriosis is not caused by an infection, so antibiotics are not a cure for the condition.

It is a chronic inflammatory condition related to the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus.

Treating it with antibiotics is not an appropriate approach and does not address the underlying pathophysiology.

Choice D rationale:

Physical therapy is not the primary treatment for endometriosis-related pain.

While physical therapy can be a part of a comprehensive approach to managing pain and improving quality of life in some cases, it is not the primary or sole treatment for endometriosis itself.

Other medical treatments, such as hormone therapy and pain management, are more commonly used.

Choice A rationale:

Mammography is not a relevant diagnostic test for endometriosis.

Mammography is primarily used to detect breast abnormalities, particularly in breast cancer screening.

Endometriosis involves the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, typically in the pelvic area, and is not related to breast tissue.

Choice B rationale:

Transvaginal ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating endometriosis.

This imaging technique can visualize the pelvic organs and detect the presence of endometrial tissue implants or cysts in the ovaries, which are common manifestations of endometriosis.

It allows healthcare providers to assess the extent of the disease and guide treatment decisions.

Choice C rationale:

Bone density scan (DEXA scan) is not a diagnostic test for endometriosis.

DEXA scans are used to measure bone density and assess the risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures.

While endometriosis can potentially affect bone health due to hormonal changes, a bone density scan is not used to confirm the presence of endometriosis itself.

Choice D rationale:

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test used to record the electrical activity of the heart and is unrelated to the diagnosis of endometriosis.

ECGs are typically used to evaluate cardiac function, detect arrhythmias, or assess the overall health of the heart.