Endometriosis: The Nursing Process
Running Head: ENDOMETRIOSIS: THE NURSING PROCESS
Abstract
This paper will focus the nursing process of endometriosis, including the pathophysiology, etiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms, assessments, diagnostic testing, interventions, medications and teaching. Therapy for a client with endometriosis will be individualized depending upon the severity of the disease, however, the basic information will be covered here.
Endometriosis: The Nursing Process
Endometriosis is a reproductive disease affecting 1%-2% of women in their late 20s to 30s (Ignatavicius, Workman, 2006). This disease causes numerous problems in afflicted women, from pain to infertility. This paper will discuss what endometriosis is, what causes the disease, how this disease works in the body, what signs and symptoms a nurse can expect, what assessments and interventions should be planned, what diagnostic testing and medication may be prescribed, and what teaching will be needed for the client. The definition of endometriosis is “an abnormal gynecologic condition characterized by ectopic growth and function of endometrial tissue.” (Mosby, 2002, p. 598) In the body, the endometrial tissue of the uterus begins to grow outside of this location. This tissue can be found on any organ in the pelvic cavity, including the outside of the uterus, the ovaries, the bladder or bowel, and on the wall of the cavity. In rare cases, endometrial tissue can be found outside the pelvic cavity in such places as the lungs or kidneys. Once attached to abnormal locations, this tissue acts just as it would in the uterus. During menstruation, bleeding occurs, causing a trapping of blood in the tissues. Although the cause of endometriosis is unknown, there are several theories as to why this occurs. In the first theory it is thought that endometrial tissue from the uterus moves during menstruation through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity. Another
Abstract
This paper will focus the nursing process of endometriosis, including the pathophysiology, etiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms, assessments, diagnostic testing, interventions, medications and teaching. Therapy for a client with endometriosis will be individualized depending upon the severity of the disease, however, the basic information will be covered here.
Endometriosis: The Nursing Process
Endometriosis is a reproductive disease affecting 1%-2% of women in their late 20s to 30s (Ignatavicius, Workman, 2006). This disease causes numerous problems in afflicted women, from pain to infertility. This paper will discuss what endometriosis is, what causes the disease, how this disease works in the body, what signs and symptoms a nurse can expect, what assessments and interventions should be planned, what diagnostic testing and medication may be prescribed, and what teaching will be needed for the client. The definition of endometriosis is “an abnormal gynecologic condition characterized by ectopic growth and function of endometrial tissue.” (Mosby, 2002, p. 598) In the body, the endometrial tissue of the uterus begins to grow outside of this location. This tissue can be found on any organ in the pelvic cavity, including the outside of the uterus, the ovaries, the bladder or bowel, and on the wall of the cavity. In rare cases, endometrial tissue can be found outside the pelvic cavity in such places as the lungs or kidneys. Once attached to abnormal locations, this tissue acts just as it would in the uterus. During menstruation, bleeding occurs, causing a trapping of blood in the tissues. Although the cause of endometriosis is unknown, there are several theories as to why this occurs. In the first theory it is thought that endometrial tissue from the uterus moves during menstruation through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity. Another
References: Endometriosis.org. What causes endometriosis. Retrieved Feb. 24, 2006, from Endometriosis.org Web site: http://www.endometriosis.org/causes.html. Ignatavicus, D., & Workman, M. (2006). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders Mosby. (2002). Endometriosis. In Mosby 's Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary (6th edition, pp. 598). St. Louis: Mosby. NWHRC. (2005). Endometriosis. National Women 's Health Resource Center , Retrieved Feb 24, 2006, from http://80-galenet.galegroup.com.allstate.libproxy.ivytech.edu/servlet/HWRC/hits?docNum=A134967191&year2=&year1=&tcit=1_1_1_0_1&locID=ivytech22&rlt=2&origSearch=false&t=RK&s=1&r=d&items=0&secondary=false&o=&n=10&day2=&day1=&l=d&month2=&sgPhrase=true&month1=&c=48&bucket=per&SU=endometriosis