Final answer:
A nurse should report a positive gonorrhea case to the CDC and inform the client about the need for their sexual partners to be treated. Effective treatment requires a regimen of antibiotics, including ceftriaxone and azithromycin, and ethical considerations must be taken into account when discussing the notification of sexual partners.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a client with a positive gonorrhea culture should be aware that gonorrhea is a reportable disease. This means that healthcare providers are required to report diagnoses to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because gonorrhea is often asymptomatic, especially in women, it can lead to serious consequences if left untreated, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. In addition to reporting, it is critical to inform the client that their recent sexual partners need to be treated to prevent reinfection and further spread of the infection.
Treatment includes a combination of antibiotics due to the bacteria's developed resistance to some drugs. The CDC currently recommends a treatment regimen of ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Moreover, with the rise of antibiotic resistance, as reported by the CDC, it's vital to follow the most current guidelines for effective treatment.
It is also important to address the ethical concerns surrounding the notification and treatment of sexual partners, as patients might feel embarrassed or fearful about disclosing such sensitive information. However, notifying partners can prevent the spread of the infection and is crucial for public health.