A nurse is leading a discussion about contraception with a group of 14-year-old clients. After the presentation, a client asks the nurse which method would be best for her to use. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A: Vaginal intercourse can be resumed after 2 weeks.

Reason: After a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure, it is generally recommended to avoid vaginal intercourse for about 2 weeks. This allows the cervix and uterus to heal and reduces the risk of infection. Engaging in sexual activity too soon can introduce bacteria into the uterus, which is particularly vulnerable following the procedure.

Choice B: Products of conception will be present in vaginal bleeding.

Reason: This statement is incorrect. After a D&C, the products of conception should have been removed during the procedure. While some bleeding is normal, it should not contain products of conception. Instead, the bleeding should be similar to a menstrual period.

Choice C: Increased intake of zinc-rich foods is recommended.

Reason: There is no specific recommendation for increasing zinc intake following a D&C. The focus is typically on general post-operative care, such as rest, hydration, and monitoring for signs of infection. While a balanced diet is always beneficial, there is no evidence suggesting that zinc-rich foods are particularly necessary after this procedure.

Choice D: Aspirin may be taken for cramps.

Reason: This statement is incorrect. Aspirin is generally not recommended for pain relief after a D&C because it can increase the risk of bleeding. Instead, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are usually recommended for managing cramps and pain.

Choice A: Growth spurt is not the correct answer because it is not the first event that occurs in female puberty. The growth spurt is a period of rapid increase in height and weight that usually occurs between 10 and 14 years of age in girls. It is influenced by various factors such as genetics, nutrition, and hormones. Growth spurt usually follows the development of breast buds and pubic hair by about 6 to 12 months.

Choice B: Evidence of pubic hair is not the correct answer because it is not the first event that occurs in female puberty. Evidence of pubic hair is the appearance of coarse, curly, and pigmented hair on the pubic area and around the genitals. It usually occurs between 8 and 13 years of age in girls. It is caused by the increased production of androgens (male hormones) by the adrenal glands and ovaries. Evidence of pubic hair usually follows the development of breast buds by about 3 to 6 months.

Choice C: Onset of menses is not the correct answer because it is not the first event that occurs in female puberty. The onset of menses is the beginning of menstrual cycles, which are regular changes in the female reproductive system that prepare the body for pregnancy. It usually occurs between 10 and 15 years of age in girls. It is caused by the maturation of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, and uterus, which regulate the levels of estrogen and progesterone (female hormones). The onset of menses usually follows the development of breast buds and pubic hair by about 2 to 3 years.

Choice D: Development of breast buds is the correct answer because it is the first event that occurs in female puberty. Development of breast buds is the enlargement and elevation of the nipples and areolas (dark circles around the nipples), which indicate the beginning of breast growth. It usually occurs between 8 and 12 years of age in girls. It is caused by the increased production of estrogen (female hormone) by the ovaries, which stimulates the growth of ducts (tubes) and lobules (glands) in the breast tissue. The development of breast buds is also called thelarche or breast stage 2.