Question

Teaching for patients with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) would include (select all that apply)

A) Treatment of sexual partner is important.
B) Douching may help provide relief of itching.
C) Cotton undergarments are preferred over synthetic materials.
D) Sexual abstinence is indicated during the communicable phase of the disease.
E) Condoms should be used during as well as after treatment during sexual activity.

Answer 1

Patients with STDs should treat their sexual partners, avoid douching, wear cotton undergarments, abstain from sex during the communicable phase, and use condoms during and after treatment, with an understanding of their limitations.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching patients with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), certain guidelines should be followed to ensure effective treatment and prevention of further transmission:

• Treatment of the sexual partner is crucial to prevent re-infection and stop the spread of the disease.
• Douching is not recommended as it does not prevent the transmission of STDs and may even disrupt the normal flora, leading to further complications.
• Wearing cotton undergarments is preferred over synthetic materials as they allow the skin to breathe, reducing moisture and the risk of irritation or infection.
• Sexual abstinence is advised during the communicable phase of the disease to prevent spreading the STD to others.
• Use of condoms is recommended during and after treatment to reduce the risk of transmission during sexual activity. However, it is important to recognize that while condoms significantly lower the risk, they are not completely foolproof.

It is also important to educate patients about the proper usage of condoms and the limitations they have in preventing STIs, as they may not cover all infected areas and can fail if used incorrectly.