You are teaching a young female patient about the oral contraceptive she has been prescribed. What instructions should be included in the teaching plan for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Taking oral contraceptives exactly as prescribed is crucial to ensure maximum effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Missing doses or taking pills at inconsistent times can decrease their effectiveness.

Answer: D
 Smoking while taking oral contraceptives increases the risk of serious side effects such as blood clots and stroke. Therefore, it is recommended to quit smoking when taking oral contraceptives. Nicotine patches are an acceptable alternative to smoking.

Option B is incorrect as it is not advisable to self-medicate with over-the-counter drugs without consulting a healthcare provider as they can interact with oral contraceptives. Option C is also incorrect as missing doses can decrease effectiveness, and missing two doses in a row can increase the risk of pregnancy.

You Are Teaching a Young Female Patient About the Oral