Sexually Transmitted Disease Unit 46

Adonis K. Lomibao, R.N.12/3/11

Objective

Understand the common STD's and identify the marked characteristics of each.

STD

Most can be treated and cured, but immunity isn't developed to repeated infections.

Can be transmitted by mucous membrane to MC contact, MC to skin contact, or skin to MC contact.

Standard precautions help protect PCT from contracting disease.

STD Cont.

Patients may be, unaware of the infection, be too embarrassed to tell about it, not realize the serious damage diseases can do to the body.

Most common are; gonorrhea, herpes simplex II, and syphilis.

Others caused by chlamydia, HPV,HIV, and the trichomonas parasite.

Trichomonas Vaginitis

Caused by a parasite. May affect male repr. Tract without S&S In females, causes white, foul-smelling vaginal

discharge (leukorrhea). Can be controlled with meds. Both partners will need treatment.

Trichomonas

Gonorrhea

Caused by bacteria. Causes an acute inflammation. In male: greenish-yellow discharge within 2-5 days,

burning on urination, can cause sterility. In female: Most may have no S&S for a while, Pelvic

Inflammatory Disease can lead to formation of abscesses and sterility.

Antibiotic treatment for partners & silver nitrate for infants after birth.

Gonorrhea Male

Syphilis

Caused by microorganism Treponema pallidum. Both sexes show same effects. In untreated, disease passes through 3 stages.

-1st: a chancre(sore) develops within 90 days. Heals without treatment.NOT painful.

-2nd stage: may be rash, sore throat, etc. S&S disappear without treatment. Infectious during 1st & 2nd stage. Microorganisms spread to heart, liver, brain, etc.

Syphilis Cont.

3rd Stage: permanent damage to vital organs. Cognitively impaired but hard to differentiate from other causes. Occasional painless lesions. The patient is not infectious.

Syphilis can attack fetus in pregnancy & kill or seriously deform it.

Syphilis

Herpes

Caused by herpes simplex virus. S&S Include:

-painful,red, blister-like sores

-sores associated with burning sensation

-heal in 2 weeks.

-fluid in blister is infectious.

-may infect even when outbreak isn't present.

Herpes Cont.

May have one episode, or repeated attacks. Repeated attacks get milder & milder.

Greater incidence of cervical cancer and miscarriages. Active case during pregnancy= C-Section NO CURE. Meds to stop replication of virus to make

an outbreak subside quicker. Topical creams relieve discomfort & reduce danger of

infection spread.

Herpes

Venereal Warts

Caused by a virus. Lesions & cauliflower-shaped warts develop on

genitals, skin, and mucous membrane. Can be removed by surgery or ointments but often

recur. Discomfort during intercourse & bleeding when

dislodged. Warts predispose pt. To development of cancerous

changes. Rapidly growing form of STD's.

Venereal Warts

Chlamydia

Infectious organisms infect mucous membranes.

-Can cause conjunctivitis or Trachoma(can lead to blind-ness).

-Causes infections of reprod. Tract

-Can cause PID which my result in sterility.

-Similar S&S to Gonorrhea, yellow-white discharge. -Treated with antibiotics.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Viral disease transmitted primarily by infected bodily secretions like blood, semen,etc.

Destroys the immune system. NO CURE, but drugs can slow the damage

done. If progresses and immune system is severely

weakened, it is the stage of AIDS: acquired immune dificiency syndrome.

Common Diagnostic Tests

Cultures for microorganisms Pap smear: tests cells from cervix to detect

possible CA of the cervix. Self-examination:(p.832)

-Female: breast self-exam.

-Male:Testicular self-exam. Mammography- X-rays of the breasts.

Vaginal Douche

Irrigation of the vagina with fluid or medication done with physician's order.

Given to:

-remove foul odor or discharge

-stop bleeding

-relieve inflammation and pain

-neutralize vaginal secretions.

-disinfect vagina

-etc. (p 833).