A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected gonorrhea. Which diagnostic method should the nurse anticipate using to confirm the infection?

Choice A rationale:

NAAT is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic method used to detect the genetic material of the causative organism. It is suitable for diagnosing gonorrhea and can be performed using urine samples, making it non-invasive and convenient.

Choice B rationale:

Serologic tests are used to detect antibodies produced by the body in response to infections. It is not the primary diagnostic method for confirming acute gonorrhea, as antibodies may take time to develop.

Choice C rationale:

Wet mount microscopy is more commonly used to diagnose Trichomonas vaginalis, not gonorrhea. It involves examining vaginal discharge under a microscope to identify the parasite.

Choice D rationale:

Visual inspection of genital warts is not relevant to diagnosing gonorrhea. It is used for diagnosing and assessing the severity of warts caused by HPV.

Choice A rationale:

Chronic inflammation and liver damage are not typical complications of bacterial STIs. Bacterial STIs primarily affect the reproductive and urinary systems, leading to complications like PID, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.

Choice B rationale:

Recurrent outbreaks and chronic pain are more characteristic of viral STIs, such as herpes, rather than bacterial ones. Bacterial STIs can lead to more serious complications like PID and infertility.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct answer. Bacterial STIs, if left untreated, can indeed lead to complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Providing this information helps address the client's concerns accurately.

Choice D rationale:

Itching and rash are possible symptoms of some bacterial STIs, but they are not the most common complications. Complications are more related to reproductive health.