Sample Answer for NUR-631 Topic 16 DQ 1 Included After Question
Discuss the etiology, presentation, transmission, and management of a sexually transmitted infection using the “Discussion Forum Sample.”
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NUR-631 Topic 16 DQ 1
Title: NUR-631 Topic 16 DQ 1
Sexually transmitted infections are disease processes from close physical contact between males and females by transmission through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections, involve the transmission of an organism between sexual partners through different routes of sexual contact, either oral, anal, or vaginal. Sexually transmitted infections affect all people and can be prevented with proper education and barrier control. STIs are more frequently under recognized and have a higher incidence in medically underserved populations (Garcia et al., 2023).
Laboratory tests can identify the cause and detect coinfections you might also have. Blood tests. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis of HIV or later stages of syphilis. Urine samples. Some STIs can be confirmed with a urine sample. Fluid samples. If you have open genital sores, your doctor may test fluid and samples from the sores to diagnose the type of infection. STDs or STIs caused by bacteria are generally easier to treat. Viral infections can be managed but not always cured. Antibiotics, often in a single dose, can cure many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. If you have herpes or HIV, you’ll be prescribed an antiviral drug. You’ll have fewer herpes recurrences if you take daily suppressive therapy with a prescription antiviral drug. However, it’s still possible to give your partner herpes (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
References:
Garcia, M. R., Leslie, S. W., & Wray, A. A. (2023, May 30). Sexually transmitted infections – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560808/
Mayo Clinic. (2023, April 14). Sexually transmitted diseases (stds). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246
Discuss the etiology, presentation, transmission, and management of a sexually transmitted HIV infection.
Etiology
Syphilis is a disease caused by Treponema pallidum that has local and systemic manifestations that can present over years. There are four stages of syphilis. Stage 1 is primary syphilis, stage II is secondary syphilis where it becomes systemic disease, stage III is latent syphilis where there are no clinical signs of infection, but transmission is still possible, and stage IV syphilis is tertiary syphilis where it is no longer infectious but destructive skin, bone, and soft tissue lesions occur; cardiovascular complications and neurosyphilis develop.
Presentation
Primary syphilis begins at the site of invasion. T. pallidum multiplies in the epithelium and produces a granulomatous tissue reaction called a chancre. The incubation period of syphilis ranges from 12 days to 12 weeks after exposure, and averages 3 weeks. A sore or hard chancre develops ate the site of entry. It presents as an eroded, painless, firm, indurated ulcer up to 2cm in diameter. The regional lymph nodes will also be firm, enlarged, and nontender. If not treated, the primary chancre typically heals in 2 to 8 weeks and disappears without a scar. 6 weeks after the first appearance of a chancre, manifestations of secondary syphilis develop. These systemic symptoms include fever, malaise, sore throat, hoarseness, anorexia, generalized adenopathy, headache, joint pain, and skin or mucous membrane lesions or rashes.
Transmission
Syphilis is generally transmitted through minor abrasions during sexual intercourse but can occur extragenitally as well. Condoms decrease the likelihood of infection, but if lesions are present on areas exposed during intercourse, transmission is still possible.
Management
The preferred treatment for all stages of syphilis is a parenteral injection of benzathine penicillin G. Other types of penicillin are not as effective. If the infection has been present for less than one year, a single intramuscular injection is appropriate. If the infection has been present for more than one year and the patient is assumed to be in latent syphilis, treatment is three weekly injections. For those allergic to penicillin, oral doxycycline, 100mg twice a day for fourteen days, or tetracycline 500 mg every day for fourteen days are alternative treatment options.
McCance, K., Huether, S. (2019). Advanced Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children. (8th ed.). Elsevier.
