A community health nurse is planning a program for adolescents about preventing STIs. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Motor vehicle safety is the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is the leading cause of death for adolescents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injuries are the top cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds globally, accounting for 115 000 deaths in 2019¹. Adolescents are vulnerable road users, especially as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for road traffic injuries, such as wearing seat belts, helmets, and reflective clothing, avoiding distractions, alcohol, and drugs, and following traffic rules and signs.

Choice B reason: Sports injury prevention is not the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents. Sports injuries are common among adolescents, as they are physically active and participate in various sports and recreational activities. Sports injuries can cause pain, disability, or death, depending on the type, severity, and location of the injury. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for sports injuries, such as warming up, cooling down, stretching, using protective equipment, and seeking medical attention when needed.

Choice C reason: Substance abuse prevention is not the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents. Substance abuse is the harmful use of psychoactive substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, that can affect the health and well-being of adolescents. Substance abuse can cause acute or chronic effects, such as intoxication, overdose, addiction, organ damage, or mental disorders. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for substance abuse, such as avoiding peer pressure, coping with stress, seeking help, and accessing treatment.

Choice D reason: Gun safety is not the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents. Gun safety is the practice of using firearms in a safe and responsible manner, to prevent accidental or intentional injuries or deaths. Gun safety can involve proper handling, storage, and disposal of firearms, as well as education and awareness about the dangers and consequences of gun violence. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for gun safety, such as avoiding access to firearms, reporting threats, and supporting non-violent solutions.

Choice A reason: You should avoid sexual contact until therapy is complete. This is to prevent the transmission of the infection to others, and to avoid reinfection or complications. The usual treatment for chlamydia is a single dose of an antibiotic, such as azithromycin or doxycycline. You should abstain from sexual activity for at least 7 days after taking the medication.

Choice B reason: Notify anyone with whom you have had sexual contact over the past 2 months. This is to inform them of their possible exposure to the infection, and to encourage them to get tested and treated if necessary. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and neonatal complications. It can also increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting other STIs, such as HIV.

Choice C reason: You will need to take an antiviral medication for 30 days. This is not a correct information that the nurse should include in the teaching. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, not a viral infection. Antiviral medications are not effective against chlamydia, and are not indicated for its treatment.

Choice D reason: Once you complete treatment, you will have an acquired immunity against chlamydia. This is not a correct information that the nurse should include in the teaching. Chlamydia does not confer immunity, and you can get infected again if you are exposed to the bacteria. You should get tested for chlamydia at least once a year, or more often if you have multiple or new sexual partners.

Choice E reason: You might experience painful urination until the infection has resolved. This is a correct information that the nurse should include in the teaching. Chlamydia can cause inflammation and irritation of the urethra, which can result in dysuria, or painful or difficult urination. Other symptoms of chlamydia may include abnormal vaginal or penile discharge, lower abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, or pain during sex. However, some people may not have any symptoms, and may not know they are infected. Therefore, it is important to get tested regularly and to use condoms to prevent the spread of the infection.