Study Notes on Sexually Transmitted Infections

Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Types of STIs:

  • Bacterial

  • Protozoan

  • Viral

Bacterial and Protozoan STIs

• Common Bacterial Infections:

  • Gonorrhea

  • Chlamydia

• Common Protozoan Infections:

  • Trichomonas

  • Syphilis

Risk Factors for Bacterial and Protozoan STIs

• General Risk Factors:

  • Engaging in risky sexual behavior

  • Having multiple sexual partners

  • Not undergoing routine testing

Expected Findings

• Presentation of Symptoms:

  • It is crucial to identify the symptoms associated with each infection as they present in patients.

Treatment Approaches

• General Treatment Guidelines:

  • Bacterial infections: Typically treated with an antibacterial medication, specifics of antibiotics, dosage, and frequency are not required knowledge for students.

  • Protozoan infections: May also be treated with antibiotics or more specific medications to target the particular type of protozoan.

Consequences of Untreated STIs

• Potential Complications:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

  • Ectopic pregnancy

  • Scarring of the reproductive system, complicating implantation and fertility

  • Preterm labor due to bacterial infections

Patient Education Post-Treatment

• Abstinence Recommendations:

  • Educate patients about the recommended duration of abstaining from sexual activity.

• Partner Education:

  • Inform patients on how to communicate with sexual partners to prevent reinfection.

Syphilis Stages and Management

• Stages of Syphilis:

  • Stage One: Early symptoms, typically observed in clinical settings.

  • Stage Two: May present with systemic symptoms.

  • Stage Three: Occurs 3 to 15 years after initial infection with serious complications affecting cardiac and neurologic systems.

Important Considerations for Management

• Focus on Stages One and Two:

  • Recognize symptoms and provide appropriate care.

Viral STIs

• Common Viral Infections:

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  • Herpes Simplex Virus

  • Hepatitis A and B

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Risk Factors for Viral Infections

• Assess risk factors similarly as bacterial/protozoan STIs.

Expected Findings for Viral Infections

• HPV: Often presents with no symptoms; usually causes dysplasia of cervical cells, requiring monitoring through Pap smears.

• Herpes Simplex Virus:

  • Active lesions prevent vaginal delivery; C-section may be necessary if lesions are present.

• Hepatitis B:

  • Infected mothers require newborns to receive vaccines promptly after delivery.

Treatment Strategies for Viral Infections

• Typical Treatments:

  • HPV: Leap procedure to remove abnormal cells, which may impact future pregnancies.

  • Herpes and Hepatitis B: Prompt treatment for newborns if infections are active at birth.

TORCH Infections

• Definition and Relevance:

  • TORCH stands for Toxoplasmosis, Other (includes syphilis and hepatitis), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex.

  • These infections can cross the placenta, potentially leading to complications for the fetus during pregnancy.

Management of TORCH Infections

• Education and Prevention:

  • Focus on pre-conception education to prevent transmission and impact on the fetus.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS)

• Overview and Risks:

  • Commonly found in mothers without causing issues for them, but can lead to significant complications in newborns.

• Testing Importance:

  • Vaginal swab at 36 weeks for screening.

Treatment for GBS

• Administering Penicillin:

  • Initiate treatment with penicillin following membrane rupture during labor to protect newborns from infection.

Patient-Centered Care Considerations

• Understanding GBS:

  • Education on the non-threatening nature of GBS to the mother.

Summary

• All content covered in these notes is aligned with the broader educational materials available in standard medical texts, notably the maternal newborn book. Students should focus on practical applications and summarizations from the Nursing ATI book for exam preparation.

• Students are encouraged to review materials thoroughly and seek clarity on specific infection management and patient care protocols.

• End Note:

  • It is important to continually assess and educate on STIs and their implications for maternal and newborn health, ensuring comprehensive patient care strategies.