A female patient who is experiencing menopause is “tired of the night sweats.” W

1 -- The underlying cause of hot flashes is not known; however, many physiologic effects of menopause are responsive to nonpharmacologic methods of relief, such as lifestyle changes. The recommended daily intake of calcium for women over 50 is 1200 mg. Encouraging the patient to look into surgical intervention is outside the scope of nursing practice. A hysterectomy would further reduce the patient’s natural estrogen levels. Weight bearing exercise is recommended to reduce the rate of bone loss, help maintain optimum weight, and reduce cardiovascular risk not to induce sleep and relieve night sweats in this patient population.