A woman arrives at the clinic for her annual examination. She tells the nurse that she thinks she has a vaginal infection and has been using an over-the-counter cream for the past 2 days to treat it. The nurse's initial response should be to:

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because providing the patient with handouts is not enough to ensure effective communication. The handouts may not be in the patient's preferred language or may use unfamiliar words or concepts. The nurse should also use other methods, such as interpreters, translators, or visual aids, to convey information to the patient.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because speaking quickly and efficiently may hinder the patient's comprehension and increase the risk of misunderstanding. The nurse should speak slowly and clearly, using simple and common words, and allow time for the patient to ask questions or clarify information.

Choice C reason: This is correct because assessing whether the patient understands the discussion is essential for effective communication and patient education. The nurse should use techniques such as teach-back, ask-me-3, or show-me to verify the patient's understanding and address any gaps or misconceptions.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because using maternity jargon may confuse the patient and create barriers to communication. The nurse should avoid using medical terms, abbreviations, or slang that the patient may not be familiar with. The nurse should explain any necessary terms in plain language and use examples or analogies to illustrate them.

Choice A reason: This is not the main reason, as the use of contraceptives for an extended time does not necessarily affect the fertility of a woman. Most contraceptives are reversible and do not cause permanent damage to the reproductive system. However, some contraceptives may take longer to wear off than others, and some may have side effects that can interfere with ovulation or implantation.

Choice B reason: This is the main reason, as the aging process can affect the ovaries and the quality and quantity of the eggs. As a woman ages, her ovarian reserve (the number of eggs in the ovaries) declines, and the eggs become more prone to chromosomal abnormalities. This can reduce the chances of conception and increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.

Choice C reason: This is not the main reason, as prepregnancy medical attention is not a prerequisite for achieving pregnancy. However, prepregnancy medical attention can be beneficial for a woman who is older than 35 years, as it can help identify and manage any existing or potential health problems that may affect the pregnancy, such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders.

Choice D reason: This is not the main reason, as personal risk behaviors are not specific to a woman who is older than 35 years. Personal risk behaviors are factors that can negatively affect the fertility of any woman, regardless of age. Some examples of personal risk behaviors are smoking, drinking, using drugs, having multiple sexual partners, or having sexually transmitted infections.