A client on estrogen therapy who smokes is at increased risk of developing which condition?

The understanding of the interaction between estrogen therapy and smoking is crucial in evaluating the associated risks. When a client is on estrogen therapy, the risk of thromboembolic events, such as thrombosis, significantly increases, especially if the client also smokes.

Estrogen can promote the clotting process and increase the likelihood of venous thromboembolism. Smoking compounds this risk because it leads to vascular damage and changes in blood flow, further enhancing the propensity for clot formation. This combination can lead to serious health complications, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), both of which are critical and require immediate medical attention.

While hypertension, anemia, and gestational diabetes are important health considerations, they do not have the same established, direct relationship with both estrogen therapy and smoking, making thrombosis the most critical risk in this context. Understanding this interaction is essential for clients undergoing estrogen therapy, particularly those who smoke, to ensure they are aware of the heightened potential for thrombotic complications.