You Are Evaluating a Patient in the Clinic Setting Who

Multiple Choice

You are evaluating a patient in the clinic setting who has been taking oral contraceptives for several years, without side effects. Vital signs are stable and the patient denies any pain or tenderness. On examination, you note a small erythematous area of approximately 2 cm on her right lower leg. She denies any traumatic injury and says this is a recent onset of a few days. Based on this information you would

A) instruct the patient to use warm compresses for several days and keep the leg elevated as much as possible.
B) have the patient wear flats rather than heels to modify her gait and help alleviate this issue.
C) refer the patient to the health care provider for additional diagnostic work up.
D) have the patient take an over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) and return to the clinic if the problem persists.