A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has an intrauterine device (IUD) in place and asks how it prevents pregnancy.

Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

All of the above.

This is because IUDs have multiple mechanisms of action that prevent fertilization and implantation of the ovum.According to the search results, some of these mechanisms are:

• IUDs immobilize sperm and interfere with their migration from the vagina to the fallopian tubes.This is because copper ions released from copper IUDs are toxic for spermatozoa and impair their motility and viability.Hormonal IUDs also thicken the cervical mucus, which blocks sperm from entering the uterus.
• IUDs speed up the transport of the ovum through the fallopian tube.This is because IUDs induce a local inflammatory reaction in the endometrium, which affects the signaling between the uterus and the ovary and alters the tubal motility.This reduces the chances of fertilization by shortening the time window for sperm-egg interaction.
• IUDs inhibit fertilization and cause lysis of the blastocyst.This is because IUDs affect the function or viability of gametes, decreasing the rate of fertilization and lowering the chances of survival of any embryo that may be formed.IUDs also interfere with implantation of the fertilized ovum by creating a hostile environment in the uterine cavity.

Choice A is wrong because it only describes one mechanism of action of IUDs, not all of them.

Choice B is wrong because it only describes another mechanism of action of IUDs, not all of them.

Choice C is wrong because it only describes yet another mechanism of action of IUDs, not all of them.

The correct answer is choice A. Perform a pregnancy test.An IUD is a form of birth control that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy, but it is not 100% effective.If a client with an IUD misses a menstrual period, the first action the nurse should take is to rule out pregnancy by performing a pregnancy test.This is because pregnancy with an IUD can have serious complications, such as ectopic pregnancy, infection, miscarriage or preterm labor.

Choice B is wrong because palpating for uterine enlargement is not a reliable way to diagnose pregnancy, especially in the early stages.It can also cause discomfort or bleeding for the client.

Choice C is wrong because assessing for signs of ectopic pregnancy is not the first action the nurse should take.

Ectopic pregnancy is a possible complication of pregnancy with an IUD, but it is not very common.The nurse should first confirm if the client is pregnant before looking for signs of ectopic pregnancy, such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding or shoulder pain.

Choice D is wrong because instructing the client to remove the IUD is not appropriate or safe.

The client should not attempt to remove the IUD by themselves, as this can cause injury or infection.The nurse should refer the client to an OB-GYN if they are pregnant with an IUD or if they want to remove the IUD for any reason.