55. A client, who is gravida 6, para 5, presents to an obstetric clinic 6 weeks after giving birth. She has decided to use the rhythm method as her choice for natural family planning. Which client statement should indicate to a nurse that the teaching about the rhythm method has been successful?
. "It is important to take my temperature at about the same time every morning before getting out of bed."
. "When my temperature remains elevated for 5 days, ovulation has occurred."
. "I can take my temperature when I wake up in the morning after I get out of bed."
. "I will take my temperature every evening before I go to bed."
Test-Taking Tip
Three of the options deal with temperature taking. Eliminate the option that does not address the method and timing of temperature taking. Of the options remaining, accurate temperature monitoring at the same time, in the morning before getting out of bed, is crucial to successful natural family planning.
Content Area: Women's Health, Family Planning; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Evaluation; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Lifestyle Choices
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Answer 1 is correct because taking the temperature at the same time every day before getting out of bed is essential for determining the true basal body temperature. Successful natural family planning is dependent on accurate basal body temperature. Answer 2 is incorrect because it is too late for natural family planning to be effective, as ovulation has already occurred. For most women, 96° to 98° is considered normal prior to ovulation, and 97° to 99° after ovulation. By charting the differences, in 0.1° increments, ovulation can be determined to have taken place. Typically, a rise of at least 0.4° to 0.6° will take place at ovulation, though for different women the temperature increases may be sudden or gradual. Ovulation has already occurred when the temperature is elevated for 5 days. Answer 3 is incorrect because basal body temperature needs to be taken at the same time every day before any activity, even getting out of bed. Answer 4 is incorrect because basal body temperature needs to be taken in the morning, at same time every day and before activity. In the evening, the results will not be predictive of ovulation.