Question

A client is admitted to the hospital after general paresis develops as a complication of syphilis. Which therapy should the nurse anticipate will most likely be prescribed for this client?

Answer 1

For general paresis, a complication of syphilis, the likely prescribed therapy is parenteral penicillin G, usually long-acting benzathine penicillin. Alternatives like tetracycline or doxycycline may be used for penicillin-allergic patients, with necessary follow-up testing.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client who develops general paresis as a complication of syphilis is most likely to be prescribed parenteral penicillin G, specifically long-acting benzathine penicillin. This antibiotic is considered the primary treatment for syphilis, including its tertiary stage in which general paresis occurs. If a patient is allergic to penicillin, alternative treatments like tetracycline or doxycycline may be used, but these require careful monitoring and retesting after treatment to verify cure due to their lesser efficacy compared to penicillin.

For individuals with general paresis, a more aggressive treatment may be necessary. Typically, late latent or tertiary syphilis requires three doses of penicillin administered at weekly intervals to ensure a cure. As syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, timely antibiotic treatment is critical in preventing further progression of the disease and potential fatal outcomes if left untreated.