A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a client who is undergoing a transcervical sterilization procedure.

Which of the following information should the nurse include?

The correct answer is choice C) “No, you should avoid activities that could cause straining or trauma until healing occurs.” This is because a vasectomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the semen.It requires some time for recovery and healing, and strenuous activities like hunting could increase the risk of bleeding, infection, or reopening the incisions.

Choice A) “Yes, this activity level will be fine.” is wrong because it contradicts the medical advice to rest and avoid heavy lifting or exercise for at least a week after a vasectomy.

Choice B) “No, you should avoid sexual intercourse until your follow-up visit.” is wrong because it is too restrictive.Sexual intercourse can be resumed after a few days or when the pain and swelling subside, as long as contraception is used until the semen is confirmed to be sperm-free.

Choice D) “Yes, but you should wear tight-fitting underwear.” is wrong because it is not enough to prevent complications.Tight-fitting underwear can help support the scrotum and reduce discomfort, but it does not eliminate the need to avoid activities that could cause straining or trauma.

The correct answer is choice D. The client should switch to a higher-dose formulation of oral contraceptives.Breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect of low-dose birth control pills, especially in the first months of use.It may indicate that the estrogen dose is too low to suppress the growth of the endometrium.

A higher-dose formulation may reduce or eliminate breakthrough bleeding by providing more estrogen.

Choice A is wrong because taking two pills daily until bleeding stops is not a recommended way to manage breakthrough bleeding.

It may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, or breast tenderness.It may also increase the risk of blood clots.

Choice B is wrong because stopping oral contraceptives immediately is not advisable unless there is a medical reason to do so.

Stopping oral contraceptives may cause irregular bleeding, ovulation, and pregnancy.

The client should consult with their provider before discontinuing any medication.

Choice C is wrong because smoking does not cause breakthrough bleeding, but it does increase the risk of serious complications from oral contraceptives, such as stroke, heart attack, or blood clots.The client should avoid smoking while taking any hormonal contraceptive, regardless of whether they experience breakthrough bleeding or not.