What should a nurse explain to a client scheduled for a vaginal hysterectomy about post-surgery changes?

The correct answer is that the client will undergo surgically induced menopause following a vaginal hysterectomy. This procedure typically involves the removal of the uterus, and if the ovaries are also removed during the surgery (a procedure known as oophorectomy), the client will no longer produce the hormones associated with menstruation, specifically estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to menopause symptoms, as the body will suddenly lack these hormones.

In many cases, even if the ovaries are left intact, a hysterectomy can still result in changes to hormone levels and may result in menopausal symptoms due to the disruption of the normal hormonal function. Nurses should provide a comprehensive explanation of what to expect, including potential symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes.

Understanding the importance of this change helps prepare the client for the adjustments she may need to make post-surgery, such as lifestyle modifications or discussions about managing menopausal symptoms.