Caring for Clients with Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Infections spread through sexual activity with an infected person.

Chlamydia

Common STI easily cured with early treatment.

Gonorrhea

Bacterial STI treatable with appropriate medical care.

Syphilis

Bacterial infection with distinct stages, curable early.

Genital Herpes

Viral infection causing painful sores; no cure.

HPV

Human Papillomavirus; causes genital warts and cancers.

HIV/AIDS

Viral infection affecting immune system; lifelong management required.

Asymptomatic

Infected individuals show no symptoms of STIs.

High-risk partners

Individuals with behaviors increasing STI transmission risk.

Contraceptive techniques

Methods used to prevent pregnancy and reduce STIs.

5 P's of Sexual History

Framework for assessing sexual health: Partners, Practices, Prevention, Protection, Past.

Multiple concurrent partners

Engaging with more than one sexual partner simultaneously.

Nonadherence to treatment

Failure to follow prescribed STI treatment regimen.

Drug resistance

Microorganisms evolve to resist treatment medications.

Older adults and STIs

Misconception that older adults are sexually inactive.

Education on STIs

Providing information on prevention and treatment options.

Racial & ethnic minorities

Groups often face higher STI incidence due to disparities.

Limited healthcare access

Barriers preventing individuals from receiving necessary medical care.

Warm vaginal environment

Conditions favoring bacterial growth, increasing infection risk.

Receptive orifice

Body opening more susceptible to trauma during sex.

Sexual history assessment

Evaluating past sexual behavior to identify STI risk.

Chlamydia

Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria, common STI.

Gonorrhea

Infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.

Syphilis

Curable STI caused by Treponema pallidum spirochete.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Highly contagious, controllable but not curable infection.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Common virus linked to genital warts and cancers.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Complication from untreated STIs, affecting reproductive organs.

Asymptomatic

25% to 75% of Chlamydia cases show no symptoms.

Urethral Discharge

Common symptom of gonorrhea in men, purulent in nature.

Dysuria

Painful urination, symptom of both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

Chancre

Painless ulcer in primary syphilis stage.

NAAT

Nucleic acid amplification testing for STI diagnosis.

Antibiotics for Chlamydia

Azithromycin or doxycycline used for treatment.

Ceftriaxone

Broad-spectrum antibiotic for gonorrhea treatment.

Gummas

Soft, rubbery growths in tertiary syphilis.

Tabes Dorsalis

Neurological symptoms from tertiary syphilis affecting CNS.

HSV-1

Herpes simplex virus type 1, causes oral lesions.

HSV-2

Herpes simplex virus type 2, causes genital lesions.

Autoinoculation

Self-transmission of infection to another body area.

Vesicles

Fluid-filled blisters from genital herpes outbreak.

PCR Testing

Identifies DNA of herpes virus from lesions.

Emotional Support

Important nursing care for patients with STIs.

Incidence

Rate of new cases in a specific population.

Sexual History

Assessment tool for STI risk and transmission.

Condom Use

Prevention method during sexual activity to reduce transmission.

Infant Transmission

STIs can be transmitted from mother to infant.

Follow-Up Care

Necessary after STI treatment to monitor effectiveness.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

Includes fever, rash, and joint pain if systemic.

Treatment Adherence

Crucial to prevent complicated infections in STIs.

Lesion Care

Keep lesions dry using alcohol or peroxide.

Warm Baths

Consult physician about Epsom salts or baking soda.

Loose Clothing

Promotes air circulation around lesions.

Handwashing

Thoroughly wash hands after contact with lesions.

Personal Hygiene

Separate towels for lesions to prevent autoinoculation.

Papanicolaou Test

Annual test to detect cervical cancer.

Stress Management

Reducing stress decreases frequency of outbreaks.

HPV Prevalence

Affects 79 million people in the US.

HPV Strains

Over 100 strains; 13 cause cancer risk.

Genital Warts

Painless clusters of growths on genitals.

Vinegar Test

Warts turn white when vinegar is applied.

HPV Treatment

No antivirals available; vaccination is preventive.

Vaccination Timing

Administered before sexual activity, ideally at 11-12.

Podofilox Treatment

Apply BID for 3 days, then 4 days off.

Imiquimod Cream

Applied 3 times per week for 16 weeks.

Surgical Options

Includes excision, laser therapy, and cryotherapy.

Cancer Monitoring

Continued assessment for cancer development is essential.

Intimate Contact Advice

Avoid contact until warts are removed.

Condom Use

Use condoms even when lesions are absent.

Sexual Activity Precautions

Abstain from sex when infected; practice monogamy.

Condom Selection

Choose lubricated condoms; avoid natural membranes.

Condom Storage

Keep in cool, dry place; check expiration.

Condom Application

Pinch tip and unroll to base of penis.

Lubrication

Use water-based or silicone-based lubricants.

Condom Removal

Take off before penis becomes limp.

Condom Disposal

Dispose in a lined container.

New Condom Application

Use a fresh condom for each act.

Breakage Rates

Higher during anal sex compared to vaginal.

Dental Dam Origin

Developed for dental procedures to prevent contamination.

Dental Dam Usage

Used for oral sex since the 1990s.

Constructing Dental Dam

Cut condom or glove latex into rectangle.

Lubrication for Dental Dam

Apply water-soluble lubricant on contact surface.

Dental Dam Placement

Hold against vulva or anus during activity.

Single Use Dental Dam

Dispose after one-time use only.

Situational low self-esteem

Feeling inadequate in specific situations affecting behavior.

Acute pain

Severe, short-term pain requiring immediate attention.

Impaired skin integrity

Damage to skin affecting its protective function.

Risk for infection transmission

Increased likelihood of spreading infections to others.

Anxiety

State of excessive worry or fear affecting daily life.

Ineffective sexuality patterns

Unhealthy sexual behaviors impacting relationships and health.

Risk for ineffective health maintenance

Potential for failing to manage health effectively.

Emotional support

Providing empathy and understanding to those in distress.

Prescribed antimicrobials

Medications specifically ordered to treat infections.

Standard precautions

Basic infection control practices to prevent disease spread.

Role-play

Practicing communication skills in a simulated scenario.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Severe immune system disorder caused by HIV.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Virus that attacks the immune system, causing AIDS.

CD4 receptor

Cell surface protein targeted by HIV for infection.

HIV-1

Most common HIV subtype, prevalent in the US.

HIV-2

Less common HIV subtype, primarily in Western Africa.

Transmission routes of HIV

Methods include sexual contact, needles, and breast milk.