A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who is postoperative following a simple mastectomy. The client is to begin outpatient radiation therapy the next day. Which of the following instructions about maintaining skin integrity should the nurse include?

Choice A: A 26-year-old client who has migraine headaches at the start of each menstrual cycle is not the correct answer because they do not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives are pills that contain synthetic hormones (estrogen and progestin) that prevent ovulation and pregnancy. They can also help reduce menstrual cramps, bleeding, and migraines in some women. However, oral contraceptives may increase the risk of stroke in women who have migraines with aura (visual disturbances), so they should be used with caution and under medical supervision.

Choice B: A 28-year-old client who has a history of pelvic inflammatory disease is not the correct answer because they do not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection that affects the female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. It can be caused by various bacteria, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, and can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain if left untreated. Oral contraceptives can help prevent pelvic inflammatory disease by creating a thick cervical mucus that blocks the entry of bacteria into the uterus.

Choice C: A 32-year-old client who has benign breast disease is not the correct answer because they do not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Benign breast disease is a term that refers to various noncancerous conditions that affect the breast tissue, such as fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, or mastitis. They can cause symptoms such as breast pain, tenderness, or lumps. Oral contraceptives can help reduce the symptoms of benign breast disease by regulating the hormonal fluctuations that influence breast tissue growth.

Choice D: A 38-year-old client who reports smoking one pack of cigarettes every day is the correct answer because they have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Smoking is a habit that involves inhaling tobacco smoke, which contains harmful substances such as nicotine, tar, or carbon monoxide. Smoking can increase the risk of various diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cardiovascular disease. Oral contraceptives can further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in smokers, especially those who are over 35 years old, by increasing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and clotting factors. Therefore, oral contraceptives are not recommended for smokers and alternative methods of contraception should be used instead.

Choice A: Menstrual is not the correct answer because it is the phase when estrogen levels are lowest. The menstrual phase occurs when the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is shed along with blood and mucus through the vagina.

Choice B: Ischemic is not the correct answer because it is the phase when estrogen levels are decreasing. The ischemic phase occurs when the blood supply to the endometrium is reduced due to vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels). This phase prepares the endometrium for shedding if fertilization does not occur.

Choice C: Secretory is not the correct answer because it is the phase when progesterone levels are highest. The secretory phase occurs when the endometrium becomes thick and spongy due to increased secretion of mucus and glycogen (a form of sugar). This phase provides a suitable environment for implantation if fertilization occurs.

Choice D: Proliferative is the correct answer because it is the phase when estrogen levels are highest. The proliferative phase occurs when the endometrium regenerates and grows due to increased stimulation by estrogen. This phase prepares the endometrium for implantation if fertilization occurs.