A client is diagnosed with syphilis.
Which potential complication should the nurse prioritize in the client's education?
Infertility.
Paralysis.
Aortic aneurysms.
Cognitive impairment.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Infertility is a potential complication of some STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, but it is not the highest priority when educating a client diagnosed with syphilis.
Syphilis can lead to more immediate and life-threatening complications.
Choice B rationale:
Paralysis is not a common complication of syphilis.
Syphilis primarily affects various body systems, including the cardiovascular and nervous systems, but it does not typically lead to paralysis.
Choice C rationale:
Aortic aneurysms are a significant concern in clients with syphilis, especially in its later stages (tertiary syphilis).
Syphilis can cause damage to the aorta, leading to the development of aneurysms.
These aneurysms can be life-threatening if they rupture, making them a high-priority complication to educate the client about.
Choice D rationale:
Cognitive impairment can occur in late-stage syphilis, known as neurosyphilis, but it is not the highest priority complication to address initially.
Aortic aneurysms are more immediate and potentially life-threatening, so they should be prioritized in client education.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or cefixime.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections.
Genital blisters or ulcers are commonly associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, which is a viral infection.
Therefore, antibiotics like ceftriaxone or cefixime would not be effective in treating this symptom.
Choice B rationale:
Antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline.
Similar to Choice A, these antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, and they would not be effective against viral infections like genital herpes.
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which requires antiviral medications for treatment.
Choice C rationale:
Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir.
This is the correct choice.
Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir are commonly used to treat symptoms of genital herpes, including painful blisters or ulcers.
These medications work by inhibiting the replication of the herpes virus, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Penicillin G for antibiotic therapy.
Penicillin G is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, particularly syphilis.
However, it is not effective against viral infections like genital herpes.
Therefore, it is not the appropriate choice for treating the symptoms described in the question.
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a well-known complication of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly gonorrhea and chlamydia.
PID can lead to serious health issues, including chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
It is essential for healthcare professionals to be aware of this complication when discussing STIs.
Choice B rationale:
Rheumatoid arthritis is not a complication of STIs.
It is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints.
There is no direct link between STIs and the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice C rationale:
Neonatal herpes is a complication of genital herpes when it is transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth.
While it is related to an STI, it is not a complication discussed in the context of adult STIs, which is the focus of the question.
Choice D rationale:
Cardiovascular syphilis is a late-stage complication of syphilis but is not typically discussed as a complication of other STIs.
It involves damage to the cardiovascular system, such as the aorta.
This choice is not relevant to the general discussion of STI complications.
Choice E rationale:
Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter's syndrome, is an inflammatory condition that can develop after certain infections, including some STIs like chlamydia.
However, it is not a commonly discussed complication of STIs compared to PID, which is a more significant concern.
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