All symptoms occurs in pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), Except?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Weight loss is not a recognized symptom of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).
Conversely, PMS is often associated with mild weight gain due to fluid retention and increased appetite or food cravings.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly of estrogen and progesterone, influence the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which can lead to bloating and water retention.

Option A: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal symptom of PMS. Hormonal changes during the luteal phase can slow down bowel motility, leading to constipation in some women.
Option C: Breast tenderness, or mastalgia, is a hallmark physical symptom of PMS. It is caused by hormonal fluctuations, primarily estrogen and progesterone, which affect breast tissue.
Option D: Abdominal pain and bloating are classic and very common symptoms of PMS. Bloating is related to fluid retention, and abdominal pain or cramping can also occur.

Visual 1: Infographic - A chart listing the common physical and emotional/psychological symptoms of PMS, categorizing them for clarity.
Visual 2: Diagram - A diagram of the menstrual cycle showing the luteal phase, highlighting when PMS symptoms typically occur (the week before menstruation).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses play a key role in helping patients manage PMS by providing education on lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes (reducing salt, sugar, and caffeine), regular exercise, and stress management techniques.
Assessment involves encouraging the patient to keep a symptom diary for at least two consecutive menstrual cycles to confirm the diagnosis and pattern of symptoms.
What if? If a patient's symptoms are severe and cause significant functional impairment (e.g., missing work or school), the diagnosis might be Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which requires a different management approach, often including SSRIs, and referral to a specialist.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question uses the keyword 'Except'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a symptom of PMS.
Second, recall or review the common symptoms associated with Pre-Menstrual Syndrome. Think about both physical and emotional symptoms.
Third, evaluate each option against your knowledge of PMS symptoms:
Is constipation a symptom? Yes, GI changes can occur.
Is breast tenderness a symptom? Yes, this is a classic sign.
Is abdominal pain & bloating a symptom? Yes, these are very common.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.