Teaching after a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: which instruction should the nurse include in discharge teaching regarding vaginal dryness?

• A. Artificial lubrication can be used to treat vaginal itching and dryness.
• B. A Pap test should be performed every 6 months.
• C. Increased vaginal drainage typically occurs 5 days following surgery.
• D. Resume sexual intercourse in 2 to 3 weeks.

Answer: (A)

After removing the ovaries, estrogen levels drop, which causes thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues. This dryness often leads to itching and discomfort, especially with activities like intercourse. Advising the use of artificial lubrication directly targets this symptom and provides a practical, non-hormonal way to improve comfort during healing. Water-based lubricants are typically recommended because they’re gentle on healing tissue and compatible with latex products. Other statements don’t address the dryness issue: a Pap test isn’t needed after a total hysterectomy with removal of the cervix, vaginal drainage timing isn’t the main concern for this symptom, and when to resume intercourse varies with recovery rather than a fixed timeframe.