Sherpath: Sexually Transmitted Infections
Which nursing response is appropriate for a woman with genital herpes whose lesions have healed who asks the nurse if treatment can be stopped "now that the virus is gone"?
"Because antiviral treatment does not cure genital herpes but only treats the symptoms and prevents outbreaks, it is important for you to continue the treatment." There is currently no cure for herpes, and antiviral treatment is focused on reducing symptoms, viral shedding, and recurrent episodes. This education is appropriate for the woman.
Which statement concerning personal health history indicates the need for sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening?
"I had a red lesion on my perineum, but it's gone now." A single red, painless lesion on the genital area is a sign of primary syphilis. When a chancre heals, bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. The woman requires STI testing to determine whether the lesion was caused by syphilis so that the necessary treatment can begin.
Which nursing statement is appropriate when educating a pregnant woman refusing retesting for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) because the test administered during her previous pregnancy was negative?
"If the test is positive, we may be able to prevent transmission of the virus to your baby." HIV testing is routine for pregnant women so that treatment can be started if necessary, possibly avoiding transmission to the fetus. This is an appropriate response.
A woman presenting with genital warts declines treatment because the growths are painless and she is otherwise asymptomatic. Which nursing response is appropriate for this woman?
"The warts are extremely contagious and can easily transmit the infection to your partner." Genital warts are highly contagious and can easily transmit human papillomavirus (HPV) to sexual partners. Treatment focuses on removing them to prevent further transmission. In addition, genital warts caused by HPV puts the woman at risk for additional cancers. This education is appropriate for the woman.
Which sexually transmitted infection (STI) is the most commonly reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?
Chlamydia Chlamydia is the most commonly reported and fastest-spreading bacterial STI in the United States.
Which sexually transmitted infection may also be treated for a woman receiving treatment for gonorrhea without further testing?
Chlamydia Gonorrhea and chlamydia often coexist, so dual treatment is recommended without additional testing.
Which nursing instruction is appropriate for a woman who has completed half of the prescribed course of antibiotics to treat a chlamydial infection who reports being completely asymptomatic?
"You must take all of the prescribed medication, even if you no longer have symptoms." The entire course of medication must be finished when treating a sexually transmitted infection, even if symptoms subside. This instruction is appropriate for the woman.
Which aspects of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and detection are appropriate to include during nursing education for every woman, regardless of infection status? [SATA]
-Methods of contraception that can prevent STIs -Circumstances in which testing may be necessary -Specific signs and symptoms that require medical attention -Diagnostic and screening tests that can help diagnose STIs
Which infections can be contracted by methods other than sexual contact? [SATA]
-Syphilis (sexual contact, and placental) -Human papillomavirus (HPV) (sexual contact, and skin to skin touching) -Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (sexual contact, bodily fluids, blood, and placental)
Which assessment finding is anticipated for a patient diagnosed with primary syphilis?
A firm and painless genital lesion Primary syphilis presents with a small lesion (chancre) at the site where the bacteria entered the body. The chancre typically develops around 3 weeks after exposure, is painless, and may be hidden in the vagina or rectum.
Which sexually transmitted infection is likely for a 22-year-old woman whose annual Pap smear had abnormal results?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) Although a Pap smear does not test directly for HPV, a Pap smear detects cell changes that are caused by HPV.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a woman expressing pain when her cervix and uterus are moved during a bimanual examination and states she believes her cervix is tender due to her menstrual cycle?
Report symptoms to the health care provider immediately. Uterine and cervical pain during the bimanual examination can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection and should be reported to the health care provider immediately.
