A nurse is collecting assessment data on a new client. The client states she does not have a menses. What term will the nurse use in her documentation to describe the absence of menstrual flow?

A) Menorrhagia: This term refers to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It does not relate to the absence of menstrual flow. B) Dysmenorrhea: This term describes painful menstruation or menstrual cramps. It is not used to indicate the absence of menstrual flow. C) Amenorrhea: This term is used to describe the absence of menstrual flow. It can be primary (never having had a menstrual period) or secondary (the cessation of menstruation after having had periods previously). D) Metrorrhagia: This term refers to bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods. It does not describe the absence of menstrual flow.