Question

The physician orders penicillin VK for a 27 year old female client who has pharyngitis. What is a priority question to ask the client prior to administering the medication?

A. "Are you taking birth control pills?"
B. "What is your pain on the scale of 0-10?"
C. "Do you know how to give yourself an injection?"
D. "How do you plan on taking this pill with a sore throat?"

Answer 1

A. "Are you taking birth control pills?" is a priority question to ask the client before administering penicillin VK.

Step-by-step explanation:

Asking about the use of birth control pills is crucial because penicillin antibiotics, including penicillin VK, can interact with hormonal contraceptives, potentially reducing their effectiveness. This interaction may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of assessing the client's contraceptive method before administering the medication. Ensuring the effectiveness of contraception is particularly relevant for female patients of childbearing age.

The interaction between penicillin antibiotics and hormonal contraceptives occurs due to the potential alteration of gut flora, affecting the enterohepatic recirculation of estrogen. This can lead to decreased contraceptive efficacy and an increased risk of contraceptive failure.

By prioritizing the question about birth control pills, healthcare providers can take appropriate measures such as recommending additional contraceptive methods or adjusting the treatment plan to mitigate the risk of unintended pregnancy while the client is on penicillin VK. This patient-centered approach aligns with the principles of safe and individualized healthcare delivery.