Jl A 27-Year-Old Account Executive Presents To The Family ✓ Solved

Jl A 27 Year Old Account Executive Presents To The Family Medicine

J.L., a 27-year-old account executive, presents to the family medicine office for her annual checkup with her primary care provider. She has no significant past medical history except heavy menses. Her medications include calcium carbonate 500 mg orally twice a day and a multivitamin daily. She exercises regularly. Her family history is significant for cardiovascular disease (her father had an MI at age 54 and died of a further MI at age 63).

She notes that she has been dating her current partner for approximately 5 months. She is interested in a reliable form of contraception. After discussing the various contraceptive options, she is here for contraceptive counseling. Questions: 1. Before prescribing an OCP regimen, what tests or examinations would you like to perform?

2. Identify three different contraceptive regimens that could be chosen for J.L. Note their differences and why you chose them. 3. Identify the potential side effects that need to be relayed to J.L. Note especially those side effects for which J.L. should seek immediate medical care.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The selection of an appropriate contraceptive method for young women requires a comprehensive understanding of their medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences. It is essential to conduct thorough pre-prescription assessments to ensure safety, efficacy, and acceptability of the chosen method. This paper discusses the necessary tests and examinations before prescribing oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), explores three alternative contraceptive regimens for J.L., and highlights potential side effects requiring careful counseling and urgent medical attention if they occur.

Pre-prescription Assessment

Before initiating oral contraceptives, a detailed medical history and physical examination are vital. Blood pressure measurement is essential given her family history of cardiovascular disease, which predisposes her to hypertension—a contraindication for OCPs. A thorough review of her medical and reproductive history should include screening for contraindications to hormonal contraception, such as thrombotic disorders, liver disease, or breast cancer.

A pelvic examination, including cervical screening (Pap smear), is recommended to assess for cervical pathology, as well as a breast exam to identify any abnormalities that might contraindicate estrogen-containing contraceptives. Laboratory tests are not universally required before starting combined oral contraceptives (COCs), but baseline blood pressure should be obtained. Given her family history and age, screening for risk factors such as lipid profile and fasting glucose may be considered, particularly if there are additional risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening are advised based on her sexual activity and partner’s history, as these can influence contraceptive counseling and screening protocols. Additionally, evaluating her menstrual pattern and any contraindications, such as smoking history or migraines with aura, is critical before prescribing OCPs.

Contraceptive Regimens and Their Selection

Based on her profile and preferences, three viable contraceptive options include combined oral contraceptives (COCs), progestin-only pills (POPs), and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Each method differs in administration, efficacy, side effects, and suitability, especially considering her cardiovascular family history.

1. Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs)

COCs comprise estrogen and progestin, taken in a 21 or 28-day cycle. They are highly effective when used correctly, with typical failure rates around 7%. COCs are convenient and highly accepted but carry risks regarding thromboembolism, especially in women with a family history of cardiovascular disease. Given her familial risk factors, her clinician may opt for a low-estrogen or progestin-only variant or suggest alternative methods.

2. Progestin-Only Pills (POPs)

POPs contain only progestin and are suitable for women who cannot take estrogen due to risk factors or contraindications. They must be taken at the same time daily, with a slightly higher failure rate than COCs (~9%). They do not increase clotting risk and are a good choice for women with a cardiovascular family history. However, they may cause irregular bleeding.

3. Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

LARCs include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal implants. They offer highly effective, long-term contraception with failure rates less than 1%. Hormonal IUDs release progestin and are suitable for women seeking minimal maintenance, while copper IUDs are hormone-free. These methods are particularly appropriate if her concern is compliance or if she prefers not to take daily medication. They also do not impact her cardiovascular risk but require procedural insertion.

Side Effects and Urgent Medical Signs

Counseling about potential side effects is crucial for adherence and safety. Common side effects of hormonal contraceptives include nausea, weight changes, mood swings, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding. For COCs, an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) should be discussed, especially considering her family history. Women with such family history, especially under 35, should be cautious and may require further risk stratification.

Serious adverse effects that warrant immediate medical attention include severe chest pain (possible pulmonary embolism or MI), sudden severe headache (possible stroke), sudden visual changes, leg pain or swelling (deep vein thrombosis), and signs of significant menstrual bleeding or anemia.

BMI, smoking status, and migraine history should also be reviewed, as they influence risk assessments. For example, women over 35 who smoke should not use combined hormonal contraceptives due to increased thrombotic risk.

Conclusion

Choosing an appropriate contraceptive method for J.L. requires a careful consideration of her medical and family history, lifestyle, preferences, and risk factors. Pre-prescription assessments such as blood pressure measurement, STI screening, and detailed history taking are essential for safe prescribing. Multiple contraceptive options are viable, each with unique advantages and potential risks. Proper counseling on side effects and warning signs can optimize adherence and safety, ensuring effective contraception and overall health.

References

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• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Practice Bulletin No. 157: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 128(3), e250-e263.
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