A 14-year-old is seen in the sexually transmitted disease (STD) outpatient department and diagnosed with gonorrhea. The client tells the nurse of having sexual relations with only a 19-year-old partner. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To avoid re-infection with gonorrhea, it is essential that the client's partner be tested and treated. During the visit, the nurse should counsel the client about the importance of partner evaluation and treatment and the likely recurrence of the infection if the partner refuses to be treated. The client should avoid sexual relations until treatment is completed and the client and partner no longer have symptoms. (Option B) A 19-year-old having sexual relations with a 14-year-old is considered statutory rape and is reportable to child protective services or local law enforcement. However, it is most important in this situation to ensure that the client and partner receive appropriate testing and effective treatment. If the client is told that the two are going to be reported to the local authorities, there is a high probability that the client will leave the clinic without being treated and the partner will never come in. (Option C) Parental consent for treatment of an STD is not required in this situation. All 50 states and the District of Columbia allow minors (age 12-14 or older) to consent to testing and treatment. (Option D) This is appropriate information to provide to the client. However, it is most important for the nurse to assess the status of the client's partner. Educational objective: In addition to the medical treatment of gonorrhea and other STDs, it is crucial for the nurse to counsel the client about the need for partner evaluation and treatment to prevent re-infection and disease transmission.

A 14-Year-Old Is Seen in the Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)