Week 12: Pharmacology of the Reproductive Systems Flashcards
A nurse is educating a patient about contraception. Which method also provides protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
A) Combination oral contraceptives
B) Progestin-only pills
C) Barrier methods
D) Intrauterine devices
Correct Answer:
C) Barrier methods
Rationale: Barrier methods, such as condoms, are the only contraceptive methods that also protect against STIs.
A male patient with BPH is prescribed tamsulosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist. What drug interaction should the nurse monitor for?
A) Warfarin
B) Antihypertensives
C) Proton pump inhibitors
D) NSAIDs
Correct Answer: B) Antihypertensives
Rationale: Tamsulosin can potentiate the effects of antihypertensives, increasing the risk of hypotension.
A patient is starting extended-cycle oral contraceptives (91-day cycle). What is an expected outcome of this regimen?
A) Regular monthly withdrawal bleeding
B) Fewer menstrual periods per year
C) Increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding
D) Reduced contraceptive effectiveness
Correct Answer: B) Fewer menstrual periods per year
Rationale: Extended-cycle OCs result in fewer withdrawal bleeding episodes, typically only four per year.
A patient using a transdermal contraceptive patch is concerned about forgetting to replace it on time. What should the nurse advise?
A) “You should apply a new patch immediately and use back-up contraception for 7 days.”
B) “It’s fine to wait until your next scheduled patch change.”
C) “Remove the current patch, leave it off for 24 hours, and apply a new one.”
D) “Apply two patches simultaneously to catch up on the dose.”
Correct Answer: A) “You should apply a new patch immediately and use back-up contraception for 7 days.”
Rationale: If a patch is forgotten, a new one should be applied immediately, and additional contraception should be used to maintain effectiveness.
Which of the following is a primary action of progesterone during pregnancy?
A) Stimulating follicular development
B) Maintaining the uterine lining for implantation
C) Triggering ovulation
D) Suppressing lactation until delivery
Correct Answer: B) Maintaining the uterine lining for implantation
Rationale: Progesterone supports the uterine lining, which is essential for implantation and pregnancy maintenance.
A nurse is caring for a patient taking progestin-only contraceptives. What adverse effect is most likely to occur?
A) Thromboembolic events
B) Irregular menstrual bleeding
C) Nausea and vomiting
D) Increased risk of endometrial cancer
Correct Answer: B) Irregular menstrual bleeding
Rationale: Progestin-only contraceptives commonly cause irregular menstrual bleeding, particularly during the first months of use.
A patient taking finasteride for BPH is concerned about a decrease in libido. What is the nurse’s best response?
A) “This is a rare side effect and will likely not affect you.”
B) “This is a common side effect of finasteride and may improve over time.”
C) “Decreased libido indicates an allergic reaction to the medication.”
D) “You should stop the medication immediately and call your provider.”
Correct Answer: B) “This is a common side effect of finasteride and may improve over time.”
Rationale: Finasteride commonly causes decreased libido, but this side effect often lessens with continued use
A patient taking combination oral contraceptives reports she takes St. John’s Wort for mood regulation. What should the nurse include in the teaching?
A) “St. John’s Wort may reduce the effectiveness of your contraceptive.”
B) “St. John’s Wort will increase the risk of side effects from your contraceptive.”
C) “You should stop taking St. John’s Wort immediately.”
D) “St. John’s Wort does not interact with contraceptives.”
Correct Answer: A) “St. John’s Wort may reduce the effectiveness of your contraceptive.”
Rationale: St. John’s Wort is a cytochrome P450 inducer and can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by accelerating their metabolism.
A nurse is teaching a patient about the adverse effects of estrogen therapy. Which patient statement requires further clarification?
A) “This medication may increase my risk of blood clots.”
B) “I might experience nausea and headaches while on this medication.”
C) “Estrogen therapy can reduce my risk of breast cancer.”
D) “I need to notify my provider if I experience leg pain or swelling.”
Correct Answer: C) “Estrogen therapy can reduce my risk of breast cancer.”
Rationale: Estrogen therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer, especially in patients with a personal or family history of hormone-sensitive cancers.
A patient asks the nurse why estrogen and progestin are combined in oral contraceptives. The nurse explains:
A) “The combination prevents ovulation more effectively.”
B) “The progestin increases estrogen levels to enhance contraceptive effects.”
C) “The combination prevents menstrual periods entirely.”
D) “The estrogen balances the effects of progestin on cervical mucus.”
Correct Answer: A) “The combination prevents ovulation more effectively.”
Rationale: Estrogen and progestin work synergistically to suppress ovulation by inhibiting the release of FSH and LH.
A patient reports breakthrough bleeding while using oral contraceptives. The nurse knows this may be caused by:
A) Estrogen deficiency.
B) Excessive progesterone.
C) Increased testosterone levels.
D) Consistent use of contraceptives.
Correct Answer: A) Estrogen deficiency.
Rationale: Breakthrough bleeding is often due to an insufficient dose of estrogen in oral contraceptives.
A nurse is caring for a male patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who is prescribed an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist. Which instruction should the nurse include in the patient teaching?
A) “Take this medication on an empty stomach.”
B) “This medication will shrink your prostate.”
C) “Change positions slowly to prevent dizziness.”
D) “You can stop taking this medication once symptoms improve.”
Correct Answer: C) “Change positions slowly to prevent dizziness.”
Rationale: Alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists can cause orthostatic hypotension, so patients should be advised to rise slowly to prevent dizziness.
A nurse is preparing to teach a patient about the menstrual cycle. Which hormone is responsible for triggering ovulation?
A) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
B) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
C) Progesterone
D) Estrogen
Correct Answer: B) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Rationale: A surge in LH mid-cycle triggers ovulation, causing the release of an ovum from the follicle.
A patient with a history of gallbladder disease is prescribed oral combination contraceptives. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A) Administer the medication as prescribed.
B) Educate the patient on using additional contraceptive methods.
C) Inform the provider about the patient’s medical history.
D) Instruct the patient to take the medication on an empty stomach.
Correct Answer: C) Inform the provider about the patient’s medical history.
Rationale: Combination oral contraceptives can exacerbate gallbladder disease, so the nurse should notify the provider for further evaluation.
A nurse is educating a patient about long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Which statement by the patient indicates correct understanding?
A) “I will need to take this contraceptive every day at the same time.”
B) “LARCs include options like intrauterine devices and subdermal implants.”
C) “LARCs are only effective for up to 6 months.”
D) “I need to stop using LARCs when I turn 30.”
Correct Answer: B) “LARCs include options like intrauterine devices and subdermal implants.”
Rationale: Long-acting reversible contraceptives include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal implants, which provide extended contraception without daily adherence.
