When assessing appropriateness of sterilization, what key question should the nurse ask the couple?

In assessing the appropriateness of sterilization, asking whether the couple plans to have any other children is crucial. This question directly addresses the couple's future reproductive intentions, which is fundamental when considering sterilization as a permanent form of birth control.

Sterilization is often irreversible, so understanding the couple's desires regarding future children allows the healthcare provider to provide appropriate counseling and ensure that the decision aligns with their long-term family planning goals. If one or both partners express a desire for more children, it may indicate that sterilization is not the right choice for them at this time.

This focus on future family planning helps prevent regret and potential emotional distress that can arise if a couple undergoes sterilization but later wishes they could conceive again. Thus, exploring intentions about having more children is the most relevant question in this context.