A patient has contracted syphilis from a sexual partner and has ...

[savannahhooper]

A patient has contracted syphilis from a sexual partner and has infected his spouse. What interventions should the nurse plan for this couple?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. Explain the need for follow-up testing in three months and six months.
  2. Refer to a marriage counselor.
  3. Administer intramuscular injection of penicillin G as ordered.
  4. Discuss abstaining from sexual activity until cured.
  5. Review handwashing techniques.

Question 2

A male patient experiencing a small, painless lesion on the side of his penis is sexually active with multiple partners and does not use a condom. Which STI should the nurse realize this patient's history suggests?
 
  1. condyloma acuminatum
  2. syphilis
  3. gonorrhea
  4. chlamydia

[AmberC1996]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 3, 4
The most important part of the treatment process is the immediate medical treatment of the syphilis in order to contain it in the first stage. The preferred treatment is the injection of the penicillin G. In order to prevent further spread of the disease and risk reinfection, abstinence from all sexual activity is required until cured. In order to determine that the disease is eradicated, follow-up testing is required at three months and six months. Partners should be referred for treatment; however, marriage counseling is not specifically identified. Handwashing is not an identified intervention for this disease process.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
The primary stage of syphilis is characterized by the appearance of a chancre. There is little or no pain with this warning sign. The chancre appears at the site of inoculation 3 to 4 weeks after the infectious contact. Condyloma acuminata are cauliflower-shaped lesions that appear on moist skin surfaces such as the vagina, perineum, penis, urethra, and anus. The male patient that presents with gonorrhea or chlamydia does not have lesions on the penis.

[savannahhooper]

Excellent

[coreycathey]

TYSM