Final answer:
In assessing contraindications for hormonal contraceptives, nurses should ask about a history of blood clots, cancers, and smoking habits, especially in women over 35, as these are potential risk factors for serious complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a female client requesting hormonal contraceptives, it is crucial for a healthcare provider to identify any potential contraindications to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the contraceptive method. Among the questions a nurse should ask, "Have you ever had a blood clot?" is particularly important, as a history of blood clots can be a contraindication to the use of combined hormonal contraception due to the increased risk of thromboembolism. Women who have had breast, liver, or endometrial cancer may also be advised against certain hormonal contraceptives. Additionally, smoking can increase the risks associated with hormonal contraceptives, especially in women over 35. Therefore, assessing smoking status is another crucial component of the initial evaluation.
Questions about the number of children, alcohol consumption, and experiences with acne may be relevant to the client's overall health history but are not direct contraindications to hormonal contraceptive use. Discussing contraception methods, understanding individual health situations, considering long-term ramifications on fertility, and evaluating possible risks are all critical components of the provider-client interaction when choosing an appropriate birth control method. It would also be pertinent for the nurse to inquire about any history of cancer, especially breast, liver, or endometrial cancer, as well as smoking habits, particularly in women over 35.