Sexually Transmitted Infections and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Introduction

Presenter: Cathy from Level Up RN
Topics: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HPV, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
End of video: Quiz on key points
Recommended tool: Level Up RN medical-surgical nursing flashcards

Type: Bacterial infections
Complications if untreated: PID, infertility, preterm labor
Symptoms (if present):
- Dysuria (painful urination)
- Discharge from vagina/penis
- Pelvic pain (if PID present)
Diagnosis:
- Urine test
- Swab from female cervix or male urethra
Treatment:
- Antibiotics: doxycycline for chlamydia, cephalosporins for gonorrhea
Nursing care:
- Disease reporting
- Education on abstinence, partner notification, safe sex
- Re-screening three months post-treatment

Cause: Complication of chlamydia or gonorrhea
Pathophysiology: Bacteria spreads to uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries
Complications: Infertility, sepsis, death
Symptoms (if present):
- Lower abdominal/pelvic pain
- Menstrual irregularities
- Painful urination, fever
Treatment:
- Antibiotics, analgesics
- Comfort measures (heating pad)
Nursing care:
- Education on abstinence, partner notification, safe sex
- Importance of follow-up appointments

Type: Bacterial infection
Complications if untreated: Systemic issues, death
Stages:
- Primary: Genital chancre (nontender ulcer)
- Secondary: Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, muscle aches), rash on hands/feet
- Latent: No visible symptoms
- Tertiary: Severe neurological/cardiovascular damage (vision/hearing loss, heart/vessel damage)
Diagnosis:
- Blood test
- Swab from chancre
Treatment: Antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline)
Nursing care:
- Disease reporting
- Education on abstinence, partner notification, re-screening

Type: Viral infection
Prevalence: Most common STI
Complications: Genital warts, cancer (cervical cancer)
Prevention: Vaccination before first sexual contact (ages 11-12; second dose 6-12 months later)
Symptoms:
- Typically asymptomatic
- Genital warts: White/flesh-colored growths in anogenital region/oral cavity
Diagnosis: PAP test, colposcopy, cervical biopsy
Treatment: No cure, wart removal (creams, cryotherapy)
Nursing care:
- Education on partner notification, safe sex
- More frequent PAP tests likely

What disorder is commonly caused by a chlamydia or gonorrhea infection and can cause infertility?
- Answer: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
A genital chancre is a sign of what sexually transmitted infection?
- Answer: Syphilis
What sexually transmitted infection is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer?
- Answer: HPV