Question

a nurse is providing teaching for a client who takes an oral contraceptive and is about to begin rifampin therapy to treat tuberculosis. which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• increase the rifampin dose.
• increase the oral contraceptive dose.
• allow 2 hr between taking the two medications.
• use a non - hormonal form of contraception.

Explanation:

Rifampin is an enzyme inducer that can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (hormonal) by increasing their metabolism. So, relying solely on oral contraceptives may not be effective, and a non - hormonal form of contraception (like barrier methods) should be used. Increasing the rifampin dose is not indicated here as the dose is determined by TB treatment protocols. Increasing the oral contraceptive dose is not the solution because rifampin's enzyme - inducing effect will still reduce the contraceptive's effectiveness. Allowing 2 hours between the medications does not address the drug - drug interaction's impact on contraceptive efficacy.

Answer:

D. Use a non - hormonal form of contraception.