A client has reported to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain. After undergoing a series of tests, the client has been diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease

Question

The client becomes tearful and asks if this disease will make her unable to have children later. What response by the nurse is indicated? 1. "This disease is associated with infertility, but it is too early to know.".
2. "Yes, this disease will likely cause you to be infertile.".
3. "You have nothing to worry about since you are getting treatment now.".
4. "The underlying cause of the pelvic inflammatory disease will be the greatest determinant of your potential infertility.".

Answer 1

"This disease is associated with infertility, but it is too early to know.".

Rationale: Pelvic inflammatory disease is associated with infertility. Infertility is not an absolute result of pelvic inflammatory disease. The determination will be based upon the actual damage to the reproductive organs. The infertility will be based upon the degree of damage, not the root cause of the disorder. Telling the woman not to worry is inappropriate and may be incorrect information.