What are some specific steps you can take to exercise sensitivity and professionalism when taking patients’ reproductive health histories?

Taking sexual histories can be a bit of a pickle but it must be done. The patient must open up and relax to give an accurate history. As a nurse, always assume a matter of fact, non-judgemental approach in conversation and asking questions. Establish rapport first by a greeting. Make the patient comfortable in a seat and make sure to establish privacy. Be wary of euphemisms, and if you already established good rapport, you can ask the patient to clarify these euphemisms. Most importantly, assure the patient of the complete confidentiality.

step 1: nitrogen fixation- conversion of atmospheric no₂ into forms useful to plants by lightning, bacteria, and cyanobacteria.

step 2: nitrification-process of converting ammonia to nitrite or nitrate.

step 3: assimilation-plant roots absorb new form of nitrogen.

step 4: ammonification-conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonia by bacteria involved in decomposition.

step 5: denitrification-bacteria turns the decomposed matter back into n₂o, which is released into atmosphere; repeat cycle.