A nurse is caring for a patient who uses a contraceptive vaginal ring.

Which of the following symptoms should the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?

The correct answer is choice B. Increased serum potassium level.Oral contraceptives can affect the levels of various electrolytes in the blood, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.According to one study, oral contraceptives can increase the levels of serum copper, iron, calcium and cadmium, and decrease the levels of serum zinc, selenium, phosphorus and magnesium.

Therefore, a high serum potassium level can indicate an adverse effect of oral contraceptives on this client.

Choice A is wrong because oral contraceptives do not decrease serum glucose level.In fact, they can increase the plasma glucose level and insulin response, which can impair glucose tolerance and increase the risk of diabetes.

Choice C is wrong because oral contraceptives do not decrease serum triglyceride level.On the contrary, they can increase the fasting triglyceride level by 13 to 75 percent, which can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Choice D is wrong because oral contraceptives do not increase serum protein level.They can increase the levels of some apolipoproteins, such as A-I, A-II and B, but these are not the same as total protein.

The correct answer is choiceD.

All of the above.

Here is why:

• Choice A is correct because obtaining informed consent from the client is a necessary step before any invasive procedure, including IUD insertion.
• Choice B is correct because performing a Pap smear and cervical culture can help screen for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections, which are contraindications for IUD use.
• Choice C is correct because administering an analgesic medication can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with IUD insertion, especially in nulliparous women who have a smaller cervical diameter.
• Choice D is correct because it includes all of the above actions, which are recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for IUD insertion in nulliparous women.
• Choice A is wrong if it is the only action taken, because it does not address the other aspects of IUD insertion such as screening and pain management.
• Choice B is wrong if it is the only action taken, because it does not ensure the client’s consent and comfort during the procedure.
• Choice C is wrong if it is the only action taken, because it does not verify the client’s eligibility and suitability for IUD use.