Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which hormone therapy is contraindicated with a history of thromboembolic conditions?

1. Androgen therapy

2. Estrogen therapy

3. Thyroid therapy

4. Insulin therapy

The correct answer is: Estrogen therapy

Estrogen therapy is contraindicated in individuals with a history of thromboembolic conditions due to the hormone's ability to promote blood clotting. Estrogen can increase the levels of clotting factors and decrease the levels of anticoagulant factors in the body, which significantly raises the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In patients with a personal or family history of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), the use of estrogen-containing therapies may lead to serious complications. For this reason, the potential benefits of estrogen must be carefully weighed against the risks in patients with such a medical history, and alternative therapies should be considered to ensure patient safety. Other hormone therapies, like androgen or thyroid therapy, do not carry the same risk profile related to thromboembolic events, making them safer options for individuals with a history of these conditions. Insulin therapy likewise does not influence clotting factors or increase the risk of thrombosis.