A nurse is caring for a patient who uses a contraceptive vaginal ring.

Which of the following symptoms should the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?

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 will need to use another form of birth control for 3 months after the procedure.” This is because it takes time for the remaining sperm in the reproductive tract to be cleared out after female sterilization.

Therefore, another contraceptive method is needed to prevent pregnancy during this period.

Choice B is wrong because female sterilization does not increase the risk of ovarian cancer.In fact, some studies have suggested that it may lower the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Choice C is wrong because female sterilization does not affect the menstrual cycle or sexual function.The ovaries still produce hormones and eggs as normal, but the eggs are absorbed by the body instead of travelling to the uterus.

Choice D is wrong because female sterilization is intended to be a permanent method of contraception and reversal is not guaranteed to be successful.Reversal surgery is also more complicated and expensive than the original procedure.Therefore, women who choose female sterilization should be sure that they do not want any more children in the future.