Question

. The pregnant client who has been a diabetic since age 10 requests a prescription for birth control pills. When teaching the client with diabetes concerning the use of birth control pills, the nurse should tell the client that they can cause which of the following? ? A. Urinary tract infections ? B. Elevated blood glucose levels ? C. Prolonged clotting times ? D. Altered oxygen needs

Short answer

Answer: Elevated blood glucose levels

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Effects of Birth Control Pills on Diabetics

The first thing to do is to research the effects that birth control pills might have on people with diabetes. After conducting research, it is evident that birth control pills can have an impact on blood glucose levels, which is significant for women with diabetes.

Analyzing the Given Options

We need to examine each option and determine if it is a likely effect of birth control pills on diabetics: Option A: Urinary tract infections - Birth control pills do not cause urinary tract infections directly. Option B: Elevated blood glucose levels - As mentioned earlier, birth control pills can have an impact on blood glucose levels. This is particularly important for diabetics since they already have difficulty managing their blood sugar. The elevated blood sugar levels can potentially lead to poor diabetes management. Option C: Prolonged clotting times - Birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots in some cases, but they don't directly affect clotting times. Option D: Altered oxygen needs - Birth control pills do not affect oxygen needs.

Selecting the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis of each option, the correct answer is: ? B. Elevated blood glucose levels Birth control pills can have an impact on blood glucose levels, making it necessary for women with diabetes to closely monitor and manage their blood sugar.

Key concepts

Diabetes and Birth Control Pills

Diabetes requires diligent management of blood glucose levels, and for women, the choice of birth control can significantly impact this balancing act. Birth control pills contain hormones that may affect insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. For diabetic patients, particularly those with a longstanding history like the client mentioned in the exercise, it's critical to understand that oral contraceptives may cause elevated blood glucose levels.

Women with diabetes considering birth control pills should be counseled on the potential risks and the importance of frequent blood glucose monitoring. It's recommended that these patients work closely with their healthcare team to choose the most suitable contraceptive method, considering both diabetes control and personal preference. Furthermore, they should be vigilant for any changes in blood glucose readings and adjust their diabetes management plan accordingly, in consultation with their physician.

Nursing Education

Effective nursing education is pivotal in ensuring that nurses have the knowledge and skills required to provide high-quality patient care. For the diabetes patient considering birth control, nursing education plays a critical role. Nurses must be prepared to deliver comprehensive education on how different contraceptives might interfere with diabetes management.

In nursing programs, students are trained to assess individual patient needs, provide tailored education, and support patients in making informed decisions about their health. This includes discussing how hormonal treatments, like birth control pills, could influence blood sugar levels and what alternative contraceptive methods are available. Adequate education ensures that nurses can guide patients with confidence, ensuring safe and effective health care interventions.

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam is a rigorous process that requires a solid grasp of numerous health topics, including the management of chronic conditions like diabetes. The exam assesses the candidate's ability to make sound nursing judgments in various clinical scenarios.

For those studying for the NCLEX-PN, understanding the interaction between diabetes and birth control pills is crucial. Future Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) need to know the potential effects of medications on preexisting conditions to provide safe patient care and appropriate education, as highlighted in our example exercise.

To prepare effectively, students should focus on mastering content areas, practicing with sample questions, and developing critical thinking skills. With thorough preparation, nursing graduates will be equipped to handle questions about diabetes, contraceptives, and other complex health matters confidently on their licensure examination.