Chapter 74: Care of Patients with Sexually Transmitted
Diseases Ignatavicius: MedicalSurgical Nursing, 8th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A nurse instructor is teaching a student nurse about the factors that have increased the number
of people with sexually transmitted diseases (. Which statement by the student indicates a lack
of understanding?
a. “There are improved techniques to diagnose an STD used in practice.”
b. “There is increased incidence of sexual abuse and sexual trafficking.”
c. “Females feel safe using oral agents rather than a condom as contraception.”
d. “The organisms causing STDs are all becoming more
virulent.” ANS: D
There is no evidence that the organisms that cause STDs are becoming more virulent, but a
client may need to use another antiinfective if allergic or the protocol was not effective.
Extensive histories are taken in the clinic of clients of all ages, as well as assessment of
laboratory data such as cervical, urethral, oral, or rectal specimens and lesion samples for
microbiology and virology. There are changes in sexual attitudes and practices, cultural factors,
migration, and international travel.
Women often think that the oral contraceptives protect them from an STD.
DIF: Applying/Application REF: 1531
KEY: Reproductive problems| evidencebased practice| teaching| secondary
prevention MSC: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
NOT: Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. A nurse is assessing a client who presents with a scaly rash over the palms and soles of the
feet and the feeling of muscle aches and malaise. The nurse suspects syphilis. Which action by
the nurse is appropriate?
a. Reassure the client that this stage is not infectious unless she is pregnant.
b. Assess the client for hearing loss and generalized weakness.
c. Don gloves and further assess the client’s lesions.
d. Take a history regarding any cardiovascular
symptoms. ANS: C
The client is displaying symptoms similar to secondary syphilis, with flulike symptoms and rash
due to the spirochetes circulating throughout the bloodstream. Therefore, the nurse needs to
further assess the client’s lesions with gloves since the client is highly contagious at this stage.
Late latent syphilis is not infectious except to a fetus. Tertiary syphilis may display in the form
of cardiovascular or central nervous system symptoms.
DIF: Applying/Application REF: 1532
KEY: Reproductive problems| secondary prevention| nursing assessment| Standard Precautions
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
NOT: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
3. A male client is diagnosed with primary syphilis. Which question by the nurse is a priority
at this time?
, a. “Have you been using latex condoms?”
b. “Are you allergic to penicillin?”
Diseases Ignatavicius: MedicalSurgical Nursing, 8th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A nurse instructor is teaching a student nurse about the factors that have increased the number
of people with sexually transmitted diseases (. Which statement by the student indicates a lack
of understanding?
a. “There are improved techniques to diagnose an STD used in practice.”
b. “There is increased incidence of sexual abuse and sexual trafficking.”
c. “Females feel safe using oral agents rather than a condom as contraception.”
d. “The organisms causing STDs are all becoming more
virulent.” ANS: D
There is no evidence that the organisms that cause STDs are becoming more virulent, but a
client may need to use another antiinfective if allergic or the protocol was not effective.
Extensive histories are taken in the clinic of clients of all ages, as well as assessment of
laboratory data such as cervical, urethral, oral, or rectal specimens and lesion samples for
microbiology and virology. There are changes in sexual attitudes and practices, cultural factors,
migration, and international travel.
Women often think that the oral contraceptives protect them from an STD.
DIF: Applying/Application REF: 1531
KEY: Reproductive problems| evidencebased practice| teaching| secondary
prevention MSC: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
NOT: Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. A nurse is assessing a client who presents with a scaly rash over the palms and soles of the
feet and the feeling of muscle aches and malaise. The nurse suspects syphilis. Which action by
the nurse is appropriate?
a. Reassure the client that this stage is not infectious unless she is pregnant.
b. Assess the client for hearing loss and generalized weakness.
c. Don gloves and further assess the client’s lesions.
d. Take a history regarding any cardiovascular
symptoms. ANS: C
The client is displaying symptoms similar to secondary syphilis, with flulike symptoms and rash
due to the spirochetes circulating throughout the bloodstream. Therefore, the nurse needs to
further assess the client’s lesions with gloves since the client is highly contagious at this stage.
Late latent syphilis is not infectious except to a fetus. Tertiary syphilis may display in the form
of cardiovascular or central nervous system symptoms.
DIF: Applying/Application REF: 1532
KEY: Reproductive problems| secondary prevention| nursing assessment| Standard Precautions
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
NOT: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
3. A male client is diagnosed with primary syphilis. Which question by the nurse is a priority
at this time?
, a. “Have you been using latex condoms?”
b. “Are you allergic to penicillin?”
