Question

Reflect on a patient who presented with a vaginal discharge during your Practicum Experience. Describe key signs and symptoms that were consistent with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) versus a non-STI related infection. If you diagnosed the patient with an STI, describe your experience in telling the patient that she had an STI, as well as the patient’s reaction to the diagnosis. Explain how the diagnosis might impact the patient’s life short-term and long-term. Include an explanation of the patient’s medical history, drug therapy and treatments, and follow-up care. If you did not have an opportunity to evaluate a patient with this background during the last four weeks, you may select a related case study from a reputable source or reflect on previous clinical experiences.

Answer 1

1. Sexually transmitted infection

If patient had been noticed with vaginal discharge, In variety of conditions the vaginal discharge may present a nurse can able to suspect any of the STI (Which Includes - Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Herpes genitals).

Key signs and symptoms

1. In syphilis - Primary syphilis (Painless ulcer on genitalia, Mouth or Anus), Lymph     node enlargement

• Secondary Syphilis ( Rashes over the skin, palm and sole)
• Tertiary Syphilis ( Neurological Dysfunction and Cardiovascular dysfunction)
• Latent syphilis is A symptomatic

1. Gonorrhea – Vaginal Discharge, Fever, Lower abdominal pain
2. Chlamydia – vaginal discharge, Urethritis, salpingitis
3. Herpes Genitalis – Vaginal bleeding, Vesicles and papules on genitalia.

1. Patient Reaction after hearing STD

Firstly the patient will deny, and the they will have anger on themselves, They will bargain with nurses, The patient will be depressed, and finally the patient will accept.

1. Drug therapy and treatment

1. Syphilis – Penicillin, Tetracycline or erythromycin ( if The patient is allergic towards penicillin)
2. Gonorrhea – Ceftriaxone or cefxime,
3. Chlamydia ( Azithromycin)
4. Herpes Genitalis – Antivirals ( Acyclovir) , Sedation in case of severe pain

Treatment and follow up

• Provide steady and non-judgmental condition
• Encourage early screening and instructive program
• Teach about the purifying of the private parts
• Instruct to stay away from the sexual movement until the point when the test were negative
• Teach careful hand cleanliness to counteract conjunctivitis
• Identifies safer sexual Practices
• Explain the treatment regimen
• Have yearly pap spread test