Which drug is commonly used as an emergency contraceptive within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse?

RML PRE 2025

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: RML PRE 2025

Explanation

Levonorgestrel is a progestin-only hormone medication specifically indicated for emergency contraception.
It is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected intercourse.
Its primary mechanism is to prevent or delay ovulation, thus preventing fertilization.
It is widely available, often over-the-counter (OTC), making it a common and accessible choice for emergency use.

Option B: Mifepristone is an anti-progestin agent. While it has emergency contraceptive properties, it is more commonly known and used for medical termination of pregnancy, not as a first-line or common emergency contraceptive pill.
Option C: The question asks for a 'drug'. The Copper-T is an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD), not an oral medication. It requires insertion by a healthcare professional.
Option D: High-dose estrogen-only pills are no longer recommended for emergency contraception due to severe side effects, particularly nausea and vomiting. The older Yuzpe method used a combination of estrogen and progestin, but even that has been largely superseded by the more effective and better-tolerated levonorgestrel-only regimen.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Prioritize focused assessment, early escalation, and real-time monitoring when managing Pharmacology of Emergency Contraception in acute care settings.
Nurses play a crucial role in counseling patients about emergency contraception, ensuring they understand the correct timing for administration to maximize effectiveness.
It is vital to educate patients that emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and to discuss STI testing and prevention.
Counseling should include managing potential side effects, such as nausea, and advising the patient to repeat the dose if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking the pill.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key elements of the question: 'drug', 'emergency contraceptive', 'commonly used', and the '72-hour' timeframe.
Analyze the options to see which one fits all these criteria.
Differentiate between a 'drug' (pill) and a 'device' (IUD). This immediately makes the Copper-T IUD a less likely answer to the specific question asked.
Recall the standard, first-line oral medications for emergency contraception.
Compare Levonorgestrel with other options. Recognize that it is the most common OTC pill for the 72-hour window, while Mifepristone has other primary uses and estrogen-only pills are outdated.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacology of Emergency Contraception
Stem keywords: drug, emergency contraceptive, 72 hours, unprotected intercourse
Lead-in keywords: Which drug, commonly used
Clinical cues: The care setting changes urgency, monitoring level, and the expected nursing action.

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