Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

In managing care for a client with multiple STDs, which aspect is crucial for the nurse to address?

1. Correct use of condoms for all types of STDs.

2. Cures for each of the identified STDs.

3. Risk of transmission through skin-to-skin contact.

4. Safety of sexual contact when lesions are not present.

The correct answer is: Risk of transmission through skin-to-skin contact.

Addressing the risk of transmission through skin-to-skin contact is essential when managing care for a client with multiple STDs. Many sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes and HPV, can be transmitted even when an individual does not have visible lesions or symptoms. This underscores the importance of educating clients about the methods of transmission beyond the more commonly recognized routes, such as through bodily fluids. Understanding this risk allows nurses to provide comprehensive education regarding protective measures. This includes not only the correct use of condoms but also the limitations of barriers in preventing the transmission of infections that can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. By recognizing and addressing these transmission risks, the nurse supports the client in making informed decisions about sexual health and reducing the likelihood of spreading STDs to others. While discussing the correct use of condoms is important and can help reduce some risks of transmission, it does not cover all scenarios, especially for infections that are passed through skin contact. Similarly, focusing solely on cures is less relevant to the immediate risk of transmission, and addressing the safety of sexual contact when lesions are not present can lead to complacency regarding the spread of infections. Hence, prioritizing the understanding of transmission routes enhances overall sexual health management for the client.