TOP

Question 1

What is the drug given in TOP forces one to go on with the procedure

Answer 1

misoprostol

Question 2

what makes up pre-TOP counselling

Answer 2

non-directive counselling
which should provide the women with enough information (include all available options they have and let the women lead the conversation) to make an informed choice

Question 3

what is important in post-TOP counselling

Answer 3

advice on available contraceptives

Question 4

what types of counselling are available for women

Answer 4

option/decision making counselling
procedural counselling
pre-procedural counselling
post-procedural counselling

Question 5

what things should not be done in TOP counselling

Answer 5

• describing the graphic information of the procedure especially as in terms of giving birth
• discuss infertility, cancer or psychological trauma.
• provide information about the fetus development and features
• use models of the fetus and show pictures of the fetus
• ask the client for reasons of TOP if the pregnancy is within the first trimester
• ask client if they used contraceptives in during conception.

Question 6

what steps does one need to take in option/decision making counselling

Answer 6

• ask the patient if they want to know the information regarding TOP and/or government social assistance support
• supply the information
• ask if they have questions or anything else they would like to know

religion should never be introduced into counselling

Question 7

what happens in procedural counselling

Answer 7

• ask the client if there is any part of the TOP procedure that they would like to know more about
• you need to stick to factual information only and if the patient would like to know that the experience is like you may let them know that the experience differs from person to person therefore you are not able to really describe the actual experience
• it is important that abortion is normalized regardless of the procedure that will be used.

Question 8

what happens during pre-procedural counselling

Answer 8

this is important to provide emotional support before the procedure

• ask client about their thoughts and feelings regarding the procedure and provide affirmation that you have heard and understood their emotions
• it is important to normalize abortion the moment the client wonders if they are doing the right decision for them.

Question 9

what happens in post procedural counselling

Answer 9

• this occurs after the procedure given that it is requested by the client:
• you ask the patient what would they like to discuss
• ask the patient about their thoughts and feelings after the procedure and normalize the emotions that they are experiencing
• reassure the client that they made the best decision for them
• make them aware that it may be important for them to talk about their feeling to a friend/family member or even a professional. i.e. psychologist
• the client may request information about contraceptives and if they do not it is important that you ask them if they would like to know about contraceptives.