The client takes Ortho-Novum for 3 months and calls the clinic to report she is having vaginal bleeding. What is the best plan by the nurse at this time?

Question

1. Ask the client if she has been having sexual intercourse recently.
2. Tell the client to go to the emergency department for medical treatment.
3. Ask the client if she is bleeding between cycles or if this is her regular period.
4. Tell the client not to worry if the bleeding resembles her monthly flow.

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: Sexual intercourse should not result in vaginal bleeding.
Rationale 2: There is no need for the client to go to the emergency department at this time.
Rationale 3: It is important to determine the nature of the oral contraceptive (OC) cycle to determine what type of vaginal bleeding is occurring.
Rationale 4: Telling the client not to worry is condescending; the nurse must collect more data.
Global Rationale: It is important to determine the nature of the oral contraceptive (OC) cycle to determine what type of vaginal bleeding is occurring. Sexual intercourse should not result in vaginal bleeding. There is no need for the client to go to the emergency department at this time. Telling the client not to worry is condescending; the nurse must collect more data.