What information must a pharmacist determine regarding a patient seeking emergency contraception?

When a patient seeks emergency contraception, it is essential for a pharmacist to gather comprehensive information to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication. Understanding the patient's age is crucial because different emergency contraception options may be available or recommended based on age, particularly concerning over-the-counter availability for younger individuals.

Knowing the patient's last menstrual period helps the pharmacist assess whether the patient is within the appropriate timeframe for emergency contraception. This information is essential because the efficacy of these medications is related to how close the patient is to ovulation, which is linked to the menstrual cycle.

Additionally, determining the elapsed time since unprotected intercourse is vital for assessing whether emergency contraception is still effective. Many emergency contraceptive methods are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, with efficacy diminishing over time.

By considering all these factors—age, last menstrual period, and elapsed time since intercourse—the pharmacist can provide the best possible care, ensuring that the patient receives the most appropriate option for their situation. Thus, gathering all this information is critical in the context of dispensing emergency contraception.