A nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a client who has rheumatoid arthritis and a new prescription for prednisone. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A reason: A 32-year-old client who has benign breast disease does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Benign breast disease is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer or thromboembolic events. However, the nurse should advise the client to perform regular breast self-examinations and report any changes.

Choice B reason: A 26-year-old client who has migraine headaches at the start of each menstrual cycle does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Migraine headaches that are related to the menstrual cycle may actually improve with oral contraceptives, as they can regulate the hormonal fluctuations. However, the nurse should monitor the client for any signs of stroke or hypertension, as these are rare but serious complications of oral contraceptives.

Choice C reason: A 28-year-old client who has a history of pelvic inflammatory disease does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause infertility, chronic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. Oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease by creating a thick cervical mucus that prevents the entry of bacteria. However, the nurse should remind the client that oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and that barrier methods should be used in addition.

Choice D reason: A 38-year-old client who reports smoking one pack of cigarettes every day has a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Oral contraceptives also increase the risk of these diseases, especially in women older than 35 years. Therefore, the combination of smoking and oral contraceptives can have a synergistic effect and cause serious harm. The nurse should recommend other methods of contraception for this client, such as intrauterine devices, implants, or injections.

Choice A reason: Consuming a high-fat meal does not increase the medication absorption, but rather delays it. A high-fat meal can reduce the peak plasma concentration and prolong the onset of action of sildenafil.

Choice B reason: Taking the medication 2 hours prior to sexual activity is not the optimal timing, as sildenafil has a half-life of about 4 hours and reaches its peak effect within 30 to 120 minutes. The recommended dose is 50 mg taken as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity.

Choice C reason: Swallowing the medication with grapefruit juice does not improve the action, but rather inhibits it. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of sildenafil and increase its plasma concentration and side effects.

Choice D reason: Avoiding ingestion of the medication with nitrates is the correct information, as it can cause a severe and potentially fatal drop in blood pressure. Nitrates are drugs used to treat angina and heart failure, and they can interact with sildenafil to cause vasodilation and hypotension.