The nurse is teaching an older adult client who has menopause about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The client asks about the benefits and risks of HRT.

What should the nurse include in the teaching?

The correct answer is A.

HRT can relieve hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood swings, but it can also increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke and blood clots.This answer is based on the evidence from various studies that have shown the benefits and risks of HRT.

Choice B is wrong because HRT cannot prevent osteoporosis, heart disease and dementia, and it does not cause weight gain, acne and hair loss.These are common misconceptions about HRT that are not supported by scientific research.

Choice C is wrong because HRT does not have a significant effect on sexual function, skin elasticity and memory, and it does not lower the immune system, blood pressure and blood sugar.These are also myths about HRT that have no basis in reality.

Choice D is wrong because HRT can improve sleep quality, energy levels and mood, but it can also cause or worsen headaches, nausea and bloating.These are some of the possible side effects of HRT that vary depending on the type, dose and duration of the therapy.

Normal ranges for estrogen and progesterone levels depend on the stage of menopause, the type of HRT and the individual factors of each woman.

Generally, estrogen levels range from 10 to 50 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter) and progesterone levels range from 0.1 to 25 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) in postmenopausal women.

The correct answer isA, D, and E.

Here is why:.

A. Elevated white blood cell count.

This is a sign of infection and inflammation in the body, which can be caused by a UTI.An elevated white blood cell count can also indicate a complication of UTI such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection) or sepsis (blood infection).

D. Altered mental status.

This is a common symptom of UTI in older adults, especially those with dementia or other cognitive impairments.UTIs can cause confusion, agitation, delirium, or behavioral changes in the elderly due to the effects of infection and inflammation on the brain.

E. Positive urine culture.

This is the definitive test to diagnose a UTI, as it identifies the type and number of bacteria present in the urine.A positive urine culture confirms the presence of a UTI and guides the appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

The other choices are wrong because:.

•.

B. Decreased serum creatinine level.

This is not a sign of UTI or its complications.

Serum creatinine is a measure of kidney function, and it usually increases when the kidneys are damaged or impaired.A decreased serum creatinine level may indicate other conditions such as liver disease, muscle wasting, or malnutrition.

•.

C. Increased urine specific gravity.

This is not a sign of UTI or its complications.

Urine specific gravity is a measure of urine concentration, and it usually increases when the body is dehydrated or has high levels of solutes in the urine.An increased urine specific gravity may indicate other conditions such as diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or dehydration.

Normal ranges for some of these tests are:.

• White blood cell count: 4,000 to 11,000 cells per microliter (mcL) of blood.

• Serum creatinine: 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.

• Urine specific gravity: 1.005 to 1.030.