You are evaluating a patient in the clinic setting who has been taking oral contraceptives for several years, without side effects. Vital signs are stable and the patient denies any pain or tenderness. On examination, you note a small erythematous area of approximately 2 cm on her right lower leg. She denies any traumatic injury and says this is a recent onset of a few days. Based on this information you would

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Because the patient has a history of oral contraceptive use, the nurse must assess and evaluate findings relative to ACHES (warning signs of oral contraceptives). Thus the patient should be worked up for the possibility of a superficial or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Warm compresses and elevation of the leg, wearing flats, and taking an OTC NSAID may lead to further problems if there is an underlying clot that is not addressed promptly.

You Are Evaluating a Patient in the Clinic Setting Who