Overview
What is the most important reason many STIs cause complications like PID and infertility?
Many STIs are asymptomatic, especially in women.
Chlamydia is commonly asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, name one.
Mucopurulent discharge, dysuria, pelvic pain, post-coital bleeding.
What is the first-line treatment for gonorrhea?
Ceftriaxone 500 mg IM
What skin finding in secondary syphilis is very characteristic?
Rash on palms and soles.
What delivery method is recommended for an HIV-positive mother with a high viral load?
Cesarean birth.
What is the single most effective method to reduce STI transmission?
Consistent condom use.
What is the first-line treatment for chlamydia?
Doxycycline 100 mg BID for 7 days.
Why must partners be treated and the infection reported?
Reinfection is common, and gonorrhea is a reportable disease.
What is the treatment for all stages of syphilis?
Benzathine penicillin G IM.
HSV causes what signature lesion?
Painful vesicles.
Name two populations at higher risk for STIs.
Adolescents/young adults, multiple partners, inconsistent condom use, the gays, prior STI.
What are two complications of untreated chlamydia?
PID, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, ophthalmia neonatorum
In men, gonorrhea can cause what complication?
Epididymitis.
What is the name of the reaction that causes fever and muscle aches within 24 hours of syphilis treatment?
Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction.
HPV types 16 and 18 are associated with what major complication?
Cervical cancer.
What are the three nursing priorities for STI management?
Prevention education, early detection, and partner treatment.
What screening recommendation is made for all sexually active women under 25?
Annual chlamydia screening.
What additional medication is recommended if chlamydia coinfection cannot be ruled out?
Doxycycline.
What is the hallmark sign of primary syphilis?
A painless chancre.
How is Hepatitis C most commonly transmitted today?
Sharing needles (IV drug use).
What two STIs are the leading causes of PID?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea.
What is the recommended alternative treatment if doxycycline cannot be used?
Azithromycin 1g PO
What serious reproductive complication can gonorrhea cause in women?
PID --> infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
What test is used to monitor treatment response in syphilis?
Nontreponemal tests such as RPR or VDRL.
What is the purpose of PrEP?
To prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals.