Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 298
Serious adverse effects of oral contraceptives include:
A. Increase in skin oil followed by acne.
B. Headache and dizziness.
C. Early or mid-cycle bleeding.
D. Thromboembolic complications.
Correct Answer: D. Thromboembolic complications.
Oral contraceptives have been associated with an increased risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis. If the patient has other risk factors significant for increased risk of venous thromboembolism one may consider using a prophylactic anticoagulant medication temporarily.
Option A: Increased skin oil and acne are the effects of progestin excess. Progestin-only methods such as the implant, hormonal IUD, or shot may worsen acne, hirsutism, or hair loss in some people.
Option B: Headache and dizziness are effects of estrogen excess. These risks are increased in women who smoke. If a patient takes too many oral contraceptive pills at one time the most likely complications will be severe headaches and nausea or vomiting. There is no antidote to treat this condition, just treatment of the symptoms with antiemetics and analgesics.
Option C: Early or mid-cycle bleeding are effects of estrogen deficiency. Most side effects of OCP’s are mild and disappear with continued use or switching to another pill formulation. The most common adverse effect of combined oral contraceptive pills is breakthrough bleeding.