A client has been taking low-dose oral contraceptives. She calls the clinic and reports that she is mid-cycle and has noticed some slight spotting. What information should the nurse provide?

Question

1. "Slight spotting may occur, especially with low-dose oral contraceptives."
2. "You may be pregnant; please stop taking these pills and come to the clinic."
3. "Monitor the bleeding and contact us again if it becomes continuous or heavy."
4. "This is an adverse reaction; stop using the pills."
5. "You must have gotten the wrong pills at the pharmacy."

Answer 1

1,3
Rationale 1: Mid-cycle spotting is common, especially with low-dose OC.
Rationale 2: Contraceptive failure is always a possibility, but slight spotting is normal and does not indicate possible pregnancy.
Rationale 3: The client should monitor the bleeding for changes such as becoming heavy or continuous.
Rationale 4: There is no reason to discontinue the pills.
Rationale 5: There is no indication that the wrong pills were obtained.
Global Rationale: Mid-cycle spotting is common, especially with low-dose OC. The client should monitor the bleeding for changes such as becoming heavy or continuous. Contraceptive failure is always a possibility, but slight spotting is normal and does not indicate possible pregnancy. There is no reason to discontinue the pills. There is no indication that the wrong pills were obtained.