A 15-year-old girl calls the clinic asking about abortion after unprotected sex the night before. What should the nurse do?

A 15-year-old girl calls the clinic asking about abortion after unprotected sex the night before. What should the nurse do?

• A. Schedule an abortion appointment
• B. Refer to an abortion clinic
• C. Tell her about oral contraceptives that prevent implantation
• D. Advise to wait a few days before deciding

Answer: (C)

When a patient has had unprotected sex recently, the immediate goal is to prevent an unwanted pregnancy by offering emergency contraception and supportive, nonjudgmental counseling. The best action is to inform her about emergency contraception options that can prevent pregnancy when used promptly, and help her access them. For someone who called within a day, this is highly appropriate and respects her autonomy—she can choose whether to use pills that prevent ovulation or implantation, or a copper IUD if she prefers a non-pill option. Provide clear information about how these options work, the timing, possible side effects, and how soon she should act, and arrange follow-up or testing as she wishes. It’s important to avoid pressuring her toward abortion or delaying care; presenting all options neutrally and supporting her decision is the appropriate approach.

When a patient has had unprotected sex recently, the immediate goal is to prevent an unwanted pregnancy by offering emergency contraception and supportive, nonjudgmental counseling. The best action is to inform her about emergency contraception options that can prevent pregnancy when used promptly, and help her access them. For someone who called within a day, this is highly appropriate and respects her autonomy—she can choose whether to use pills that prevent ovulation or implantation, or a copper IUD if she prefers a non-pill option. Provide clear information about how these options work, the timing, possible side effects, and how soon she should act, and arrange follow-up or testing as she wishes. It’s important to avoid pressuring her toward abortion or delaying care; presenting all options neutrally and supporting her decision is the appropriate approach.