The clinic nurse is talking to a client who has just been prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Which statement about HRT by the nurse is correct?

  1. “HRT decreases the risk of stroke.”
  2. “HRT increases the risk of osteoporosis.”
  3. “HRT decreases the risk of deep vein thrombosis.”
  4. “HRT increases the risk of coronary artery disease.”
Number 4 is correct.
Rationale: HRT increases the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and breast cancer. It lowers the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. The risks and benefits of HRT must be evaluated by the prescriber, based on the client’s medical history.