The nurse providing care in a women's health care setting must be aware of which sexually transmitted infection that can be successfully treated and cured?

Choice A reason: Chlamydia is not the least common of all the major sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, it is the most common bacterial STD in the world, affecting about 131 million people each year. ¹ Therefore, this statement is false and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice B reason: Good handwashing technique is not the best way to prevent chlamydial infections. Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact, not through casual contact or hygiene. The best way to prevent chlamydial infections is to practice safe sex, such as using condoms, limiting the number of partners, and getting tested regularly. Therefore, this statement is misleading and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice C reason: Most people infected with chlamydia are unaware that they are infected. This is because chlamydia often has no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild and easily ignored. This can lead to serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and increased risk of HIV. Therefore, this statement is true and needs to be emphasized.

Choice D reason: Burning and pain with urination is a frequent symptom of chlamydial infections. However, this symptom is not specific to chlamydia, as it can also occur with other STDs or urinary tract infections. Moreover, not all people with chlamydia experience this symptom, especially women. Therefore, this statement is not very informative and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice A reason: You can receive an influenza vaccination during pregnancy, as it is safe and recommended for pregnant women. The flu vaccine can protect you and your baby from serious complications of influenza, such as pneumonia, preterm labor, and low birth weight. The flu vaccine can also provide some immunity to your baby for the first few months of life. ¹

Choice B reason: You can receive the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, as it is safe and recommended for pregnant women. The Tdap vaccine can protect you and your baby from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis can be very dangerous for newborns, as it can cause severe coughing, breathing problems, and even death. The Tdap vaccine can also provide some immunity to your baby for the first few months of life.

Choice C reason: You should not receive a varicella vaccine before you deliver, as it is not recommended for pregnant women. The varicella vaccine can protect you and your baby from chickenpox, which can cause serious complications such as skin infections, pneumonia, and birth defects. However, the varicella vaccine is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus that can cause infection in some people. Therefore, it is not safe for pregnant women or their babies.

Choice D reason: You should not receive the rubella vaccine while breastfeeding, as it is not recommended for breastfeeding women. The rubella vaccine can protect you and your baby from rubella, which can cause serious complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. However, the rubella vaccine is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus that can cause infection in some people. Therefore, it is not safe for breastfeeding women or their babies.