A nurse in an antepartum clinic is reviewing the medical records of four clients.
Which of the following infectious conditions should the nurse report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?
A.
Genital herpes simplex virus
B.
Gonorrhea
C.
Bacterial vaginosis
D.
Human papillomavirus
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Gonorrhea.
Explanation:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is a reportable disease in many jurisdictions, including the United States. Reporting to public health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is crucial for several reasons:
- Public Health Surveillance: Reporting gonorrhea helps track the incidence and prevalence of the infection in different populations and geographic areas. This information is vital for understanding trends, identifying outbreaks, and monitoring the effectiveness of public health interventions.
- Disease Control: Gonorrhea is known for its potential complications and the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant strains. Timely reporting allows health agencies to respond quickly to emerging resistance patterns and adjust treatment guidelines accordingly.
- Prevention and Education: Reporting cases enables public health officials to implement targeted educational campaigns and preventive measures. By understanding where cases are occurring, health authorities can focus efforts on high-risk areas and populations to reduce transmission.
- Legal and Ethical Obligations: Many states and countries have legal requirements for reporting certain communicable diseases, including gonorrhea. Compliance with these regulations ensures that public health professionals uphold legal and ethical standards in disease control.
In contrast, genital herpes simplex virus (A), bacterial vaginosis (C), and human papillomavirus (D) are not typically reportable diseases in many jurisdictions. Although these conditions are significant from a clinical perspective and require management and counseling, they do not usually fall under mandatory reporting regulations. However, healthcare providers should still manage these infections appropriately and provide education and support to affected individuals.
Overall, gonorrhea’s inclusion in reportable disease lists underscores its impact on public health and the importance of surveillance and response in managing sexually transmitted infections.