199k views
5 votes
The nurse assesses a client in the family planning clinic. Which client statement suggests the client has been exposed to gonorrhea?

a) I've been having lower back pain recently.

b) I noticed a yellowish discharge with a strong odor.

c) I've been feeling a bit nauseous in the mornings.

d) I've been having trouble sleeping at night.

1 Answer

2 votes

Final Answer:

A yellowish discharge with a strong odor is a common symptom indicating potential exposure to gonorrhea.. Thus, the correct answer is b) I noticed a yellowish discharge with a strong odor.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), often presents with symptoms such as abnormal discharge from the genitals. The presence of a yellowish discharge, particularly if accompanied by a strong or unpleasant odor, is a classic sign of gonorrhea in both men and women.

This type of discharge usually indicates an infection in the genital tract, commonly affecting the urethra in men or the cervix in women. The color and odor result from the body's immune response to the bacterial infection. However, it's important to note that not everyone with gonorrhea will exhibit noticeable symptoms. Some individuals may be asymptomatic carriers, underscoring the importance of regular STI screenings.

The other symptoms mentioned—lower back pain, nausea in the mornings, and trouble sleeping—are nonspecific and could be caused by various conditions unrelated to gonorrhea. While STIs, including gonorrhea, can sometimes cause complications leading to systemic symptoms, the specific symptom of a yellowish discharge with a strong odor aligns more closely with a potential gonorrheal infection.

Therefore, in a clinical setting focusing on family planning and sexual health, a client reporting a yellowish discharge with a strong odor is a red flag that suggests possible exposure to gonorrhea, warranting further evaluation and appropriate testing for STIs.

Thus, the correct answer is b) I noticed a yellowish discharge with a strong odor.