Author Question: A patient is taking a combination oral contraceptive (OC) and reports breast tenderness, edema, and ... (Read 59 times)

Jramos095 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is taking a combination oral contraceptive (OC) and reports breast tenderness, edema, and occasional nausea. What will the nurse recommend?

a. The patient should ask her provider about an OC with less progestin.
b. The patient should discuss an alternate method of birth control.
c. The patient should request an OC containing less estrogen.
d. The patient should take the OC at bedtime to reduce side effects.

Question 2

An adolescent female patient with multiple sexual partners asks a nurse about birth control methods. The patient tells the nurse she tried oral contraceptives once but often forgot to take her pills.

The nurse will recommend discussing which contraception with the provider?
a. An intrauterine device with a spermicide
b. DMPA (Depo-Provera) and condoms
c. Tubal ligation and condoms
d. Progestin-only oral contraceptives

Harbringer · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Breast tenderness, edema, and nausea are associated with estrogen; women experiencing these side effects may benefit from an OC with a lower estrogen dose. Lowering the progestin will not decrease these symptoms. It is not necessary to change birth control methods if side effects can be managed by altering the estrogen dose. Taking the OC at bedtime will not affect the symptoms.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
This patient has demonstrated a previous history of nonadherence, so a long-acting contraceptive would be more effective for her. Because she has multiple sexual partners, she should use a condom for protection against STDs. An IUD is not indicated for her; patients with multiple sexual partners who use IUDs are at greater risk for STDs. Tubal ligation carries surgical risks and should not be used by young women, because it is irreversible. Progestin-only oral contraceptives must be taken every day.