After six months of unprotected intercourse and failing to conceive, a 37-year-old female client reports feeling anxious and depressed because of her situation. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

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Infertility is diagnosed when a couple fails to conceive after 12 months (women age <35) or 6 months (women age ≥35) of frequent, unprotected intercourse. Difficulty achieving pregnancy may affect a couple's social, financial, and intimate relationships. Therefore, clients may benefit from a holistic approach to care. The nurse should be alert for signs of psychosocial distress such as expressions of guilt, denial, anger, or isolation. Anxiety and depression are common among couples with infertility concerns and require further evaluation of the client's emotions. Active listening and open-ended questions may help clients speak more openly and honestly about their feelings (Option D). (Option A) Women age ≥35 and couples with certain medical indications (eg, endometriosis, history of male subfertility) should generally seek fertility evaluation after 6 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. (Option B) Assessing intercourse timing helps the nurse discuss awareness of fertility and natural conception methods. However, the nurse should prioritize the client's psychosocial needs before providing this type of education. (Option C) Encouraging the client to focus on the positive aspects of life does not address the client's emotional concerns, places the client's feelings on hold, and invalidates the client's feelings. Educational objective: When caring for clients with infertility concerns, the nurse should be alert for signs of psychosocial distress and expressions of guilt, denial, anger, isolation, anxiety, or depression. Evaluation of the client's emotions using active listening and open-ended questions is the primary intervention.

After Six Months of Unprotected Intercourse and Failing to Conceive