A nurse is caring for a patient who is using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception.

Which of the following symptoms is a potential adverse effect of the copper IUD?

The correct answer is choice A. The nurse should assess for signs of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the female reproductive organs that can be caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.PID can cause abdominal pain during sexual intercourse, as well as other symptoms such as fever, unusual vaginal discharge, and bleeding between periods.PID can lead to serious complications such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy if left untreated.

Choice B is wrong because checking the string length of the IUD is not a priority action.The string length may change due to normal variations in the position of the uterus and cervix, and does not indicate a problem with the IUD.However, if the string is missing or longer than usual, it may suggest that the IUD has moved or expelled, and the client should see a provider.

Choice C is wrong because advising the client to use a backup contraceptive method is not a priority action.The IUD is a highly effective form of birth control that does not require additional methods unless the client wants to prevent STIs.However, if the client has an STI that causes PID, using a condom may help prevent further infection and transmission.

Choice D is wrong because scheduling an appointment for IUD removal is not a priority action.The IUD does not cause PID, but it may increase the risk of infection shortly after insertion, especially if the client has an STI.The risk of PID from IUD use is very low (less than 1%) and usually disappears after 3 weeks of placement.Removing the IUD may not cure PID and may expose the client to unwanted pregnancy.

The correct answer is choice A.“You need to have a sperm count test to confirm your sterility.”

A sperm count test is a semen analysis that measures the number of sperm in the ejaculate.

It is the only way to verify that a vasectomy has been successful and that the man is sterile.A man is considered sterile when his sperm count is zero or below 100,000 non-motile sperm per sample.

Choice B is wrong because the number of ejaculations does not guarantee sterility.Some sperm may still be present in the severed vas deferens for months after a vasectomy.

Choice C is wrong because the duration of contraception use after a vasectomy depends on the sperm count test results, not on a fixed time period.It may take more or less than 3 months for a man to become sterile after a vasectomy.

Choice D is wrong because a repeat vasectomy is unnecessary and ineffective to ensure sterility.A vasectomy is a permanent birth control method that rarely fails or reverses.