Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has a positive gonorrhea culture. What should the nurse instruct the client?

1) Recent sexual partners will need to be treated.
2) Return for a blood test in 1 month.
3) Administer penicillin G 2.4 million units IM once.
4) Teach the client how to apply imiquimod 5.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client that recent sexual partners need treatment and recommend a regimen of ceftriaxone and azithromycin, as per CDC guidelines for gonorrhea, while penicillin G is not the appropriate treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a client with a positive gonorrhea culture, it is important for the nurse to instruct that recent sexual partners will need to be treated to avoid reinfection and spread of the infection to others. Due to the resistance of N. gonorrhoeae to certain antibiotics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a combination regimen of ceftriaxone and azithromycin for treatment. Contrary to administering penicillin G or teaching the application of imiquimod 5, which are not appropriate treatments for gonorrhea, the nurse should emphasize the importance of the recommended antibiotic therapy and follow-up care to ensure successful treatment of gonorrhea and any possible co-infection with C. trachomatis.

Furthermore, individuals should be educated about routine screening, especially sexually active females under 25 years of age, and the potential complications of untreated gonorrhea, such as PID and infertility. If symptomatic, individuals may experience painful urination and discharge, which can be alleviated with the proper antibiotic treatment.