A woman will be taking oral contraceptives using a 28-day pack. To be protected from pregnancy, the nurse should advise this woman to:

Question

1. limit sexual contact for one cycle after starting the pill.
2. use condoms and foam instead of the pill for as long as she takes an antibiotic.
3. take one pill at the same time every day.
4. throw away the pack and use a backup method if she misses two pills during week one of her cycle.

Answer 1

3
1. Incorrect. If contraceptives are to be started at any time other than during normal menses, or within 3 weeks after birth or abortion, another method contraception should be used through the first week to avoid the risk of pregnancy. Taken exactly as directed, oral contra-ceptive prevent ovulation, and pregnancy cannot occur.
2. Incorrect. No strong pharmacokinetic evidence exists that shows a relationship between broad-spectrum antibiotic use and altered hormonal levels among oral contraceptive users.
3. Correct. To maintain adequate hormonal levels for contraception and enhance com-pliance, oral contraceptives should be taken at the same time each day.
4. Incorrect. If the patient misses two pills during week 1, she would take two pills a day for 2 days and finish the package and used backup method the next 7 consecutive days.