A woman who has a seizure disorder and takes barbiturates and phenytoin sodium daily asks the nurse about the pill as a contraceptive choice.What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"Your current medications will reduce the effectiveness of the pill" is a true statement.It is not highly effective for her because the liver metabolizes oral contraceptives and their effectiveness is reduced when they are taken simultaneously with anticonvulsants.The anticonvulsant will reduce the effectiveness of the pill,not the other way around."This is a good choice for a woman of your age and personal history" does not teach the patient that the effectiveness of the pill may be reduced because of her anticonvulsant therapy.

A Woman Who Has a Seizure Disorder and Takes Barbiturates