In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a common approach for women with blocked fallopian tubes or unexplained infertility and for men with very low sperm counts. A husband and wife have arrived for their preprocedural interview. The husband asks the nurse to explain what the procedure entails. The nurse's most appropriate response is:

Choice A reason: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is characterized by a progressive decline of the immune system, leading to opportunistic infections and cancers. It does not have recurrent episodes, but rather a chronic and incurable course.

Choice B reason: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes. It is characterized by a primary infection followed by recurrent episodes of painful blisters and ulcers in the genital area. The virus remains latent in the nerve cells and can reactivate periodically or in response to triggers such as stress, illness, or menstruation.

Choice C reason: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts and cervical cancer. It is characterized by a persistent infection that may or may not produce symptoms. It does not have recurrent episodes, but rather a variable and unpredictable course.

Choice D reason: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes mild or asymptomatic infections in healthy adults. It is characterized by a latent infection that can reactivate in immunocompromised individuals, causing serious complications such as retinitis, pneumonia, or encephalitis. It does not have recurrent episodes, but rather a dormant and opportunistic course.

Choice A reason: The NST has no known contraindications, as it is a non-invasive and safe test that does not stimulate uterine contractions or cause fetal distress. It is the most widely used method of antepartum fetal surveillance.

Choice B reason: The NST is not slightly more expensive than the CST, as it requires less time and equipment. The NST usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, while the CST may take up to 2 hours. The NST only needs a fetal monitor, while the CST also needs an intravenous line and oxytocin infusion.

Choice C reason: The NST does not have fewer false-positive results than the CST, as it has a higher rate of nonreactive results that may indicate fetal compromise when there is none. A nonreactive NST is one that does not show at least two accelerations of the fetal heart rate of 15 beats per minute or more lasting 15 seconds or more in a 20-minute period.

Choice D reason: The NST is not more sensitive in detecting fetal compromise than the CST, as it has a lower predictive value for fetal well-being. A reactive NST is one that shows at least two accelerations of the fetal heart rate of 15 beats per minute or more lasting 15 seconds or more in a 20-minute period. However, a reactive NST does not rule out the possibility of fetal hypoxia or acidosis.