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: Syphilis is a bacterial STI caused by Treponema pallidum. It is characterized by three stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary. It can cause serious complications such as neurosyphilis, cardiovascular syphilis, and congenital syphilis. However, it is not the most common bacterial STI.

Choice B reason: Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. It is not a STI, but rather an opportunistic infection that can affect the vagina, mouth, skin, or other mucous membranes. It can cause symptoms such as itching, burning, discharge, and inflammation.

Choice C reason: Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, or eyes. It can cause symptoms such as dysuria, discharge, pelvic pain, and bleeding. It can also lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, epididymitis, infertility, and disseminated gonococcal infection. However, it is not the most common bacterial STI.

Choice D reason: Chlamydia is a bacterial STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most common bacterial STI, affecting about 2.86 million people in the United States in 2018. It can infect the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, or eyes. It can cause symptoms such as dysuria, discharge, pelvic pain, and bleeding. It can also lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, epididymitis, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.

Choice A reason: Pointing out that inappropriate sexual behavior caused the infection is not helpful, as it may make the woman feel guilty, ashamed, or defensive. The nurse should avoid blaming or judging the woman and focus on providing education and support.

Choice B reason:Positioning the patient in asemi-Fowler position(head of the bed elevated 30–45 degrees) helps promote drainage of pelvic exudate and reduces the risk of abscess formation or further spread of infection. This is a key nursing intervention for patients withacute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Choice C reason: Telling her that antibiotics need to be taken until pelvic pain is relieved is incorrect, as it may lead to incomplete treatment and recurrence of the infection. The nurse should instruct the woman to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, regardless of the symptoms.

Choice D reason:While infertility is apotential complicationof PID, it is not a guaranteed outcome. The nurse should provideaccurate informationabout risks but avoid causing unnecessary alarm. The focus should be onprompt treatment and prevention of complications.