Question

A psychiatric nursing instructor is teaching about the psychological effects of the diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Which student statement indicates that further instruction is needed?

A. STDs carry strong connotations of illicit sex and considerable social stigma.
B. STDs can cause insanity
C. The diagnosis of HIV can generate hopelessness and helplessness.
D. Antibiotics administered in the early stages can cure all STDs.

Answer 1

The student's incorrect statement that 'STDs can cause insanity' needs clarification, as while untreated syphilis and other STDs can lead to serious health issues, insanity is not a typical outcome, and not all STDs can be cured with antibiotics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement by the student indicating further instruction is needed is "STDs can cause insanity." This statement is factually incorrect and reflects a common misunderstanding.

While some STDs, if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, or ectopic pregnancy in females and severe systemic effects in both sexes, the term insanity is not accurate in describing these effects.

Untreated syphilis can be dangerous as it may advance and invade internal organs, potentially causing death, but it does not lead to insanity as commonly understood in the psychological context.

Moreover, not all STDs can be cured with antibiotics, especially viral infections like HIV, which can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if untreated. Understanding the correct facts about STDs is crucial for a healthcare professional to provide effective care and accurate information to patients.