Final answer:
Teaching for patients with an STI should cover the treatment of sexual partners, the preference for cotton undergarments, abstinence during the communicable phase, and condom use during and after treatment. It should also stress that while antibiotics can cure bacterial STIs, antiviral drugs may only control viral STIs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Teaching for patients with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) should include several important points:
- Treatment of sexual partners is crucial to prevent the spread of STIs and re-infection.
- Douching is not recommended as it does not provide relief and can actually disrupt the normal flora, leading to further complications.
- Wearing cotton undergarments is advised over synthetic materials as they allow the skin to breathe and may reduce irritation and moisture build-up.
- Sexual abstinence is indicated during the communicable phase to prevent the transmission of STIs.
- Condoms should be strongly advised during and after treatment to reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting STIs. However, it's important to note that condoms are not completely foolproof and proper usage is essential.
Patient education should also emphasize that while bacterial STIs can typically be cured with antibiotics, viral STIs may only be controllable with antiviral drugs and not completely eliminated. Moreover, practices such as safe sex, including the use of condoms, and engagement in mutually monogamous relationships are recommended prevention strategies.