On a visit to administer the fifth in a series of 10 antibiotic doses, a home health nurse is told that the patient is now complaining about a bothersome vaginal discharge.The nurse communicates the problem and arranges for medication.What is the most likely cause of the vaginal discharge?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most likely cause of the vaginal discharge is a superinfection response to the antibiotic medication. Antibiotics can kill off the normal bacteria in the vagina, allowing for overgrowth of other organisms that can cause a new infection. This is a common side effect of antibiotic use. Poor hygiene or soap allergies are less likely to cause a sudden onset of vaginal discharge. Sexual contact with an infected person could also be a cause of vaginal discharge, but this information is not provided in the scenario.

On a Visit to Administer the Fifth in a Series