HESI Developmental Stages and Transitions Module 1 Practice Exam 2026 – The Complete All-In-One Guide to Mastering Your Exam!

Screening for cardiovascular risk with estrogen-containing contraceptives is essential. Smoking cigarettes markedly increases the risk of thromboembolism and other cardiovascular events when combined with estrogen in oral contraceptives. This risk rises with age and with the amount smoked, making smoking status the most important factor to identify before prescribing.

Other options don’t signal these safety concerns as directly. Dieting isn’t linked to the clotting risks of these pills, strenuous exercise is not a contraindication and can be beneficial, and menstrual cramps don’t indicate a cardiovascular risk related to the method. In short, asking about smoking helps determine whether an oral contraceptive is safe to use or whether an alternative method should be considered.