A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a female client who takes oral contraceptives (OCs).
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that OCs are having an adverse effect on this client?
Decreased serum glucose level
Increased serum potassium level
Decreased serum triglyceride level
Increased serum protein level
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Increased serum potassium level. Oral contraceptives can affect the levels of various electrolytes in the blood, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. According to one study, oral contraceptives can increase the levels of serum copper, iron, calcium and cadmium, and decrease the levels of serum zinc, selenium, phosphorus and magnesium.
Therefore, a high serum potassium level can indicate an adverse effect of oral contraceptives on this client.
Choice A is wrong because oral contraceptives do not decrease serum glucose level. In fact, they can increase the plasma glucose level and insulin response, which can impair glucose tolerance and increase the risk of diabetes.
Choice C is wrong because oral contraceptives do not decrease serum triglyceride level. On the contrary, they can increase the fasting triglyceride level by 13 to 75 percent, which can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Choice D is wrong because oral contraceptives do not increase serum protein level. They can increase the levels of some apolipoproteins, such as A-I, A-II and B, but these are not the same as total protein.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B.The patient should receive the injection withinsevendays after delivery if breastfeeding, not five.Injectable progestins are a type of hormonal contraception that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.They are given by a health professional every 12 weeks.
Choice A is wrong because injectable progestins may cause bone mineral loss with long-term use, so the patient should be aware of this risk.
Choice C is wrong because injectable progestins may cause decreased bleeding or amenorrhea in some women, which is not harmful but may be unexpected.
Choice D is wrong because injectable progestins are given every three months, not four times per year.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. The nurse should advise the client to take the pill at bedtime or with food.This can help reduce nausea, which is a common side effect of COCs.Nausea usually diminishes with continued use of the same method.
Choice A is wrong because taking the pill with a glass of water on an empty stomach may increase nausea.
Choice C is wrong because switching to a different brand of COCs is not effective in treating nausea.There are no significant differences among various COCs in terms of nausea.
Choice D is wrong because stopping the pill and using another method of contraception is not necessary unless the client prefers it.Nausea is not harmful and can be managed with simple measures.
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