A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a group of clients who have communicable diseases.
Which of the following infections should the nurse report to the state health department?

Choice A rationale:

Sarcoptes scabiei is the causative agent of scabies, a contagious skin infestation. While scabies is a communicable disease, it is typically not a reportable disease to the state health department. Scabies is usually treated at the individual or community level, and reporting to the state health department is not required.

Choice B rationale:

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea is a notifiable disease, and healthcare providers are required to report cases of gonorrhea to the state health department. This is because gonorrhea is a significant public health concern due to its potential complications and the need for contact tracing and prevention.

Choice C rationale:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection, but it is typically not a reportable disease to the state health department. HPV can lead to various health issues, including genital warts and certain types of cancer. However, reporting HPV cases is not a standard practice because it is highly prevalent and usually managed at the individual level through screening and vaccination programs.

Choice D rationale:

Impetigo contagiosa is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. While it is contagious, impetigo is not typically a reportable disease to the state health department. Like scabies, impetigo is usually managed at the individual or community level, and reporting is not a standard requirement.