A nurse is providing care to a patient diagnosed with syphilis. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the treatment plan?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should advise the patient to notify and treat all sexual partners to prevent reinfection and further spread of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) Treating only the infected individual may not fully eliminate the infection, as untreated partners can reinfect each other.

Choice B rationale:

Using topical agents like podophyllin is not relevant to trichomoniasis, as it is an STI caused by a protozoan parasite. Topical agents are typically used for treating genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)

Choice C rationale:

Practicing abstinence until cured is a reasonable precaution to prevent spreading the infection, but it does not address the aspect of notifying and treating sexual partners, which is crucial for preventing reinfection.

Choice D rationale:

Avoiding sharing personal items like razors is a general hygiene practice but is not specific to preventing trichomoniasis reinfection. It does not address the need for partner notification and treatment.

Choice A rationale:

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, not a protozoa.

Choice B rationale:

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, not a protozoa.

Choice C rationale:

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, not a protozoa.

Choice D rationale:

Trichomoniasis is indeed caused by a protozoa called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a common STI that affects the urogenital tract and is transmitted through sexual contact.