Question

A) A sexually active 16 year old

• State  which birth control method you would recommend to your patient and why.
• Develop a birth control plan for the person you selected by INCLUDING the following in your plan:
  1. The history and assessment/exam for the patient
  2. Documentation and consent requirements
  3. Community resources for the patient
  4. Patient education and follow-up care plan

Answer 1

Birth control method:

Birth control or contraception is the use of a device or procedure to prevent conception as a result of sexual activity .

Bith control method for a 16 year old girl:

Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC).

According to American Academy of Pediatrics, the most effective contraceptive for teens to prevent pregnancy is Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives. AAP recommendes the teens, abstinence from sexual activity is best option for Birth control. But if a teenage girl is sexually active , then Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives are good option for teens as,

* Failure rate just 1%  

* prevents heavy , painful periods

LARC can be of two categories;

* Intra uterine devices : A 'T' shaped, small and flexible birth control device, inserted into the uterus by a health care provider , that provides, long and safe birth control. Copper T IUD and Levonorgestrel IUDs are available.  

* Subdermal implants : A matchstick sized, thin , plastic implant of etonogestrel hormone is placed under the skin of the upper arm.

History and assessment :

* Age and Health history that includes, past and present medical or surgical history, current medications etc.

* General health status through physical examination and vital signs monitoring should be done

* Assess the reproductive goals of the girl , when she wishes to be pregnant

* Any particular religious beliefs for her preference of contraception

* Collect the pertinent history such as relationship factors, frequency of sex, number of sexual partners.  

Documentation and consent required :

In most of the States of America, even though the age of Majority is 18, but a 16 year old child is allowed to seek, health care assistance for contraception. Most state don't require any parental consent. The client can give the consent for using the LARC. There should be proper documentation about the contraception recommended and applied in the girl.

Community resources : Local Government clinics for planned parenthood , primary care centers etc.

Health education and follow up care:

* Instruct the girl 'Abstinence is best way not only to prevent pregnancy but also to prevent STDs

* Warn her that no contraceptives provides protection from STIs except Condom , so use it during a course along with LARC

* Instruct her to do the regular follow up care according to instruction from physician.

* Educate her to detect any allergic reactions or complications and report to Doctor.