Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on a patient’s use of coitus interruptus as a primary birth control method. What should the nurse tell the patient? Let’s find out!
A patient tells the nurse at a gynecology office that she and her partner have been using the coitus interruptus method of contraception. The patient does not wish to become pregnant.
Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. “You are at a very high risk for pregnancy using this method.”
B. “This method is better for decreasing pregnancy risk than the calendar method.”
C. “You are at high risk for ectopic pregnancy if you do become pregnant using this method.”
D. “This method decreases your risk for sexually transmitted infections in addition to the risk for pregnancy.”
Scroll down for the correct answer!
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The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
A. “You are at a very high risk for pregnancy using this method.”
Rationale: Coitus interruptus is one of the least effective methods of contraception. There is a very high risk for pregnancy with use of this method. The nurse should ensure that the patient is aware of this, and counsel them on alternative methods of contraception if desired.
Main Takeaway
Coitus interruptus, also called withdrawal or the withdrawal method, is the removal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation happens. The nurse should counsel the patient about the risk of pregnancy involved while using this method. This is one of the least reliable methods of contraception and is less reliable than the calendar method. Sexually transmitted infections can be spread through transmission of body fluids and contact with infection on the skin. Therefore, the patient is still at risk for sexually transmitted infections using this method.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
B. “This method is better for decreasing pregnancy risk than the calendar method.”
Rationale: Coitus interruptus is one of the least reliable methods of contraception. The calendar method is another method of natural contraception but is more effective at preventing pregnancy compared to coitus interruptus.
C. “You are at high risk for ectopic pregnancy if you do become pregnant using this method.”
Rationale: Some contraception methods work by disrupting the ability of a fertilized egg to become implanted in the uterus. When using these methods, there is a high risk of ectopic pregnancy, if a pregnancy does result. However, coitus interruptus is not associated with an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
D. “This method decreases your risk for sexually transmitted infections in addition to the risk for pregnancy.”
Rationale: Coitus interruptus avoids pregnancy by withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. Therefore, the patient is still at risk for sexually transmitted infections using this method.
Want to learn more about this topic?
Watch the Osmosis video: Contraception – Natural methods: Nursing
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