Management of primary dysmenorrhea often requires a multifaceted approach.The nurse who provides care for a patient with this condition should be aware that the optimal pharmacologic therapy for pain relief is:
A) acetaminophen.
B) oral contraceptives (OCPs).
C) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
D) aspirin.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

NSAIDs are prostaglandin inhibitors and show the strongest research results for pain relief.Often if one NSAID is not effective,another one can provide relief.Approximately 80% of women find relief from NSAIDs.Preparations containing acetaminophen are less effective for dysmenorrhea because they lack the antiprostaglandin properties of NSAIDs.OCPs are a reasonable choice for women who also want birth control.The benefit of OCPs is the reduction of menstrual flow and irregularities.OCPs may be contraindicated for some women and have numerous potential side effects.NSAIDs are the drug of choice.If a woman is taking a NSAID,she should avoid taking aspirin.

Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea Often Requires a Multifaceted Approach