A patient who has been unable to conceive asks the nurse if it is her fault or her husband's fault that they have not been able to become pregnant. The best response by the nurse is:

Question

1. "The male infertility factors are more common than female."
2. "Female infertility issues are more common than male issues."
3. "The testing the doctor will order will determine who is at fault."
4. "We will know more about what is causing your infertility after some tests are done."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: This statement is not true. Because of the complexity of ovulation and maintaining a pregnancy, it is more likely that a female issue is causing the infertility. Regardless, using the term "at fault" is blaming and should be avoided.
Rationale 2: Although this statement is true because of the complexity of ovulation and maintaining a pregnancy, using the term "at fault" is blaming and should be avoided.
Rationale 3: Testing will determine what the infertility issue is, but using the term "at fault" is blaming and should be avoided.
Rationale 4: This is a factual answer that avoids using the term "at fault." This statement is therapeutically worded and therefore is the best answer.