A nurse in a gynecology office is caring for a client who reports vaginal itching and discharge in the last week.
The discharge is described as thick and “smelly.”. The client reports pain with urination and sexual intercourse.
The discharge became worse after their menstrual period this month.
The client has been treated for STIs in the past and is currently sexually active in a new relationship.
The provider has been notified, and a vaginal swab for culture and nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) has been performed.
Based on the information found in the client’s medical record, which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate receiving from the provider?

Choice A rationale

Instructing the client to avoid alcohol for 72 hr after treatment is a common instruction given when a client is prescribed certain medications, such as metronidazole, due to the potential for a disulfiram-like reaction. However, this choice does not directly address the client’s symptoms of vaginal itching and discharge.

Choice B rationale

The client’s symptoms are indicative of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. Metronidazole is a medication commonly used to treat this infection. A single dose of 2 g orally is a typical treatment regimen.

Choice C rationale

An oatmeal sitz bath can help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation, but it does not treat the underlying cause of the client’s symptoms.

Choice D rationale

Douching is generally not recommended as it can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and can lead to further complications.

Choice E rationale

Recommending the client’s partner receive treatment is important in cases of sexually transmitted infections to prevent reinfection. However, this choice does not directly address the client’s immediate need for treatment.