Question

A nurse is completing a health history on her 34 year-old female patient. When the nurse arrives at the sexual history section, the first question she asks is if the patient is using birth control. The client responds no. What should this nurse ask next:

a) "What is the reason for not using anything?"
b) "Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant?"
c) "Are your partners male? female? Both?"
d) "Have you used birth control in the past?"

Answer 1

The nurse should next ask the patient, "Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant?" as it directly relates to the topic of contraception and assists in understanding the patient's reproductive intentions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is completing a health history on her 34-year-old female patient and learns the patient is not using birth control, it is appropriate for the nurse to further investigate the patient's sexual health and reproductive plans. Once the patient responds no to using birth control the nurse should ask "Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant?"

This question is respectful, directly relates to the topic of contraception and can help the nurse to provide tailored information and recommendations based on the patient's response. While the other options may be part of a comprehensive sexual history it is often most relevant and sensitive to first clarify the patient's intentions regarding pregnancy before exploring other facets of sexual and reproductive health.