NURS 6551 Sexually Transmitted Infections Discussion
NURS 6551 Sexually Transmitted Infections Discussion
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates
that there are 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections every
year in the United States (CDC, 2010b). STIs may present serious health
implications for infected patients—especially for those who are unaware of
their health condition. Studies show that women are not only at greater risk of
contracting these infections, but they also tend to have more severe health
problems resulting from infections than men (U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, 2009b). As an advanced practice nurse, you must educate female
patients and emphasize the importance of prevention and STI testing for all
women regardless of marital status, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
For this Discussion, consider STI education strategies for the three patients
in the following case studies:
Case Study 1:
A 19-year-old Asian American female comes into the clinic
for a well-woman checkup. She states that about three weeks ago she had a
non-tender sore on her labia that resolved without treatment. Her gynecologic
exam is normal but she has maculopapular lesions on her trunk, neck, palms, and
soles of her feet. The remainder of her exam was unremarkable.
Case Study 2:
A 31-year-old African American female is concerned about a
white vaginal discharge. She has self-treated in the past with over-the-counter
vaginal creams with some success. She has had no relief thus far for this
episode.
Case Study 3:
A 21-year-old nulligravida comes to see you concerned about
vague lower abdominal pain for two days associated with a yellowish,
nonodorous, vaginal discharge. Past history reveals regular menstrual periods
and no previous surgeries or significant medical problems. Her last menstrual
period was normal and ended two days ago. She had a similar episode about eight
months ago for which she did not seek care because of lack of health insurance.
She is currently sexually active with one partner and has had two partners in
the past year. She is not using any type of contraception. On physical exam you
note a temperature of 38º C, a regular pulse of 100, and a BP of 110/65. Her
abdomen is diffusely tender in both lower quadrants. Pelvic exam reveals a
yellowish cervical discharge with cervical motion tenderness and a tender
fullness in both adnexa.
To prepare:
Review Chapter 20 of the Schuiling and Likis text and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention article in this week’s Learning
Resources.
Review and select one of the three provided case studies.
Reflect on the patient information.
Consider a differential diagnosis for the patient in the
case study you selected. Think about the most likely diagnosis for the patient.
Think about a treatment and management plan for the patient.
Be sure to consider appropriate dosages for any recommended pharmacologic
and/or nonpharmacologic treatments.
Consider strategies for educating patients on the treatment
and management of the sexually transmitted infection you identified as your
primary diagnosis.