What additional information should the nurse obtain during the assessment?

Review the case study and answer the following questions.

Case Study: A 16-year-old arrived at a local family planning clinic with pregnancy concerns due to unprotected intercourse. This encounter occurred two nights prior, and she believes she may be fertile but wants information regarding the “morning-after pill”.

• What additional information should the nurse obtain during the assessment?
• What educational information should the nurse provide to the patient regarding emergency contraception treatment and the side effects?

Answer

During the assessment, the nurse should obtain the following additional information:

1. Date of the patient’s last menstrual period: This will help determine the patient’s estimated date of ovulation and the potential risk of pregnancy.
2. Whether the patient has any medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as liver disease Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here
3. Whether the patient is taking any medications: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants or seizure medications, may interact with emergency contraception.
4. Whether the patient has any allergies: The nurse should ask about any allergies to medications, as emergency contraception may contain Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here
5. Whether the patient has any questions or concerns: The nurse should allow the patient the opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns they may have about emergency contraception.

Regarding educational information, the nurse should provide the patient with the following information about emergency contraception treatment and potential side effects:

1. How emergency contraception works: The nurse should explain that emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after intercourse, but can still be effective up Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here
2. Types of emergency contraception: The nurse should inform the patient about the different types of emergency contraception available, including the “morning-after pill” (Plan B One-Step), Ella, and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs). The nurse should also explain the advantages and disadvantages of Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here
3. Side effects: The nurse should inform the patient about potential side effects of emergency contraception, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breast tenderness, dizziness, and headache. The nurse should also explain that these side effects are usually mild and temporary, and that the patient can take over-the-counter Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here
4. Future contraception: The nurse should discuss the patient’s future contraception options with her, including long-term methods (such as the IUD, the pill, or the patch) and barrier methods (such as condoms). The nurse should also explain the importance of using contraception Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here