Introduction

The nurse is working in the private practice of a health-care provider who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. After greeting the patient, a 38-year-old person assigned female at birth (AFAB) who identifies as female, the nurse asks why she is seeking care. She replies that she has always had menstrual cramps, but they’ve been significantly worse lately, even causing her to frequently miss work and social outings. These cramps often last at least 2 to 3 days every menstrual cycle, often requiring ibuprofen (Motrin), 600 mg three to four times a day, to manage. She also uses hot water bottles and gentle exercise, neither of which provides much relief. Upon further assessment, the patient appears very distressed about the pain and how it affects her life. The nurse’s thorough assessment of the patient’s symptoms is important in determining if the symptoms fall within the expected range or if another cause like a structural or tissue disorder is present.