The nurse is assessing a 22-year-old female patient who arrives at the family clinic. The patient has finished her prescription for a urinary tract infection and now reports a milky discharge from her vagina and has a fishy odor. After microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge, the health care provider prescribed metronidazole gel to be inserted vaginally. What is the suspected medical diagnosis for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The milky discharge with a fishy odor is a classic presentation of bacterial vaginosis, which occurs when there is an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina. Antibiotic therapy for a UTI can disrupt the normal vaginal flora and lead to an increased risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole gel is a common treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Gonorrhea typically presents with painful urination and a yellowish discharge. Genital condylomas are genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and would present with visible warts. Candida vaginitis, or a yeast infection, typically presents with a thick, white discharge and itching.

The Nurse Is Assessing a 22-Year-Old Female Patient Who Arrives