A nurse is teaching a client who is prescribed COCs about the mechanism of action of these pills.

The nurse should explain that COCs prevent pregnancy by?

The correct answer is choice A.The nurse should tell the client that if she misses one pill, she should take the missed pill as soon as possible and continue with the next pill at the usual time.This will ensure that she maintains a continuous hormonal exposure and does not extend the hormone-free interval beyond 7 days.She does not need to use extra contraception.

Choice B is wrong because taking two pills at once and skipping the next pill will disrupt the hormonal balance and may cause side effects such as nausea or breakthrough bleeding.Choice C is wrong because discarding the missed pill and taking the next pill at the usual time will shorten the duration of hormonal exposure and increase the risk of ovulation.Choice D is wrong because stopping taking the pills for the rest of the cycle and using a backup method of contraception will expose the client to an unnecessary hormone-free interval and may compromise her contraceptive efficacy.

COCs are combined oral contraceptives that contain synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration.The normal range of COCs dosage is 20 to 35 micrograms of estrogen and 0.1 to 3 milligrams of progestin per pill.

The correct answer is choice C. OCs can decrease menstrual blood loss and cramps.This is because OCs prevent ovulation and thin the lining of the uterus, which reduces the amount of bleeding and cramping during menstruation.

Choice A is wrong because OCs do not provide protection against STIs.The only contraceptive methods that can prevent STIs are barrier methods, such as condoms.

Choice B is wrong because OCs can have variable effects on libido and sexual satisfaction.

Some women may experience an increase, while others may experience a decrease or no change at all.This depends on individual factors, such as hormone levels, mood, and relationship quality.

Choice D is wrong because OCs can also have variable effects on mood and depression.

Some women may experience an improvement, while others may experience a worsening or no change at all.This also depends on individual factors, such as hormone sensitivity, stress, and history of mental health problems.