Question

A patient who uses a triphasic birth control pill calls the clinic with reports of dull pain in the left lower extremity. The pain started after a routine 4-mile run and has continued. Which action does the nurse take first?
1. Instruct the client to elevate the leg for six hours.
2. Ask the client to apply a heat pack to the left leg.
3. Recommend the client take an anti-inflammatory medication.
4. Request that the client come to the clinic immediately.

Answer 1

Answer:

4.

Explanation:

It can be said that in this situation the first action the nurse should take would be to request that the client come to the clinic immediately. This is because one of the adverse effects of birth control pills is Deep vein thrombosis. This is a blood clot in a deep vein, which is located in the left lower extremity, and can be serious if not treated. Treatments include medication and use of compression stockings, both of which may be prescribed by a doctor/nurse.