A nurse is reinforcing teaching about self-care with a client who has pelvic inflammatory disease. The client does not speak English. Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate?

Choice A: African American women have the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene is not the correct answer because it is not a fact but a misconception. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are genes that normally help prevent breast and ovarian cancer by repairing DNA damage. However, mutations in these genes can increase the risk of developing these cancers. BRCA mutations are not exclusive to African American women, but they can affect any race or ethnicity. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 12% of American white women and 10% of African American women have a BRCA mutation.

Choice B: American white women respond better to breast cancer treatment is not the correct answer because it is not a fact but a disparity. Breast cancer treatment can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. The response to treatment can vary depending on various factors such as tumor type, stage, grade, or molecular profile. However, some studies have shown that American white women have better survival rates and outcomes than African-American women after breast cancer treatment. This disparity may be due to differences in access to care, quality of care, socioeconomic status, or biological factors.

Choice C: Breast cancer is more advanced in African American women when found is the correct answer because it is a fact and a disparity. Breast cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow and invade the breast tissue or other parts of the body. The stage of breast cancer describes how far the cancer has spread and how serious it is. Breast cancer can be detected by screening tests such as mammograms or clinical exams such as breast self-exams. However, some studies have shown that African American women are more likely than American white women to be diagnosed with breast cancer at later stages. This disparity may be due to differences in screening rates, awareness, symptoms, or tumor biology.

Choice D: More Hispanic women smoke, which increases their risk is not the correct answer because it is not a fact but a misconception. Smoking is a risk factor for breast cancer, as it can damage the DNA of breast cells and increase the levels of hormones that stimulate cell growth. However, smoking rates are not higher among Hispanic women than other racial or ethnic groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 14% of Hispanic women smoke cigarettes compared to 16% of American white women and 14% of African American women.

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.