A woman who has recently begun taking a combination oral contraceptive calls the clinic to report breakthrough bleeding. The nurse will:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect of combination oral contraceptives (COCs), especially during the first few months of use. The bleeding usually resolves on its own within a few months. The nurse should counsel the patient to continue taking the contraceptive as prescribed, as missing pills or stopping use of the COC can increase the risk of pregnancy. If the bleeding persists or is heavy, the patient should follow up with her provider to rule out other causes. Using a back-up method of contraception or recommending an alternative contraceptive is not necessary at this time. A home pregnancy test is also not indicated unless the patient has missed pills or has other symptoms of pregnancy.

A Woman Who Has Recently Begun Taking a Combination Oral