18 Questions
Which of the following is NOT listed as a curable sexually transmitted infection?
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
How many different pathogens are known to be transmitted through sexual contact?
More than 30
What is responsible for genital tract infections that may lead to later complications in women such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or infertility?
Trichomoniasis
Which of the following is an example of a viral sexually transmitted infection?
Hepatitis B
Which sexually transmitted infection is associated with chronic liver diseases and cancer?
Hepatitis B
How many of the eight pathogens linked to the greatest incidence of sexually transmitted disease are currently curable?
Four
What percentage of new STIs in the United States are diagnosed in women?
Two thirds
Why are female adolescents more susceptible to STIs?
Due to their anatomical features
What age group represents almost half of all new STI cases acquired?
15-24 years
Which factor makes teenagers more susceptible to STIs?
A combination of biological, social, and behavioral factors
Why do adolescents frequently have unprotected intercourse?
Because they believe they are invincible
What role do health care providers play in the prevention of STIs among adolescents?
They can provide counseling and education to their clients
What is a key role of nurses in the management of STIs in adolescents?
Providing guidance for sexual health and infection prevention
Why do nurses need to adapt the style, content, and message of counseling to the adolescent's developmental level?
To ensure the adolescent understands the message effectively
What should nurses encourage adolescents to do if they choose to have sexual intercourse?
Use barrier methods like condoms consistently and correctly
What can nurses encourage adolescents to minimize in order to reduce the risk of STIs?
Lifetime number of sexual partners
What should nurses encourage adolescents to be aware of in relation to the incorrect use of barrier methods?
The relationship between drug and alcohol use and the incorrect use of barrier methods
What can nurses do if specialized teen clinics are not available in their areas?
Feel comfortable discussing sexuality, safety, and contraception with teens themselves
Study Notes
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Not all STIs are curable, with some being viral and others being bacterial.
Pathogens and Transmission
- There are multiple pathogens known to be transmitted through sexual contact, with 8 pathogens linked to the greatest incidence of STIs.
- 5 of the 8 pathogens linked to the greatest incidence of STIs are currently curable.
Bacterial STIs
- Chlamydia is responsible for genital tract infections that may lead to later complications in women such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or infertility.
Viral STIs
- Examples of viral STIs include herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Hepatitis B is a viral STI associated with chronic liver diseases and cancer.
Epidemiology of STIs
- 50% of new STIs in the United States are diagnosed in women.
- Female adolescents are more susceptible to STIs due to cervical ectopy, which increases the exposure of the cervix to pathogens.
- 15- to 24-year-olds represent almost half of all new STI cases acquired.
Risk Factors and Prevention
- Factors that make teenagers more susceptible to STIs include lack of knowledge, poor communication, and inconsistent or incorrect use of condoms.
- Adolescents frequently have unprotected intercourse due to lack of access to condoms, low self-esteem, and pressure from peers.
- Health care providers play a crucial role in the prevention of STIs among adolescents by providing education, counseling, and access to condoms.
- Nurses should adapt the style, content, and message of counseling to the adolescent's developmental level to ensure effective communication.
Management of STIs
- Nurses should encourage adolescents to be aware of the correct use of barrier methods and to minimize the number of sexual partners.
- Nurses should encourage adolescents to use condoms and to get tested regularly if they choose to have sexual intercourse.
- If specialized teen clinics are not available in their areas, nurses can collaborate with local organizations to provide access to STI testing and counseling services.
Learn about the global health challenge posed by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understand the transmission of over 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites through sexual contact, as well as the curable and incurable nature of the eight most common infections.
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