A nurse is caring for a client who reports a recent episode of painful sores on the perineum, muscle aches, and chills for about 2 weeks.
The client currently denies pain but reports sitting is uncomfortable at times.
The client denies dysuria and reports mild vaginal itching.
What should the nurse anticipate?

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.

Choice A rationale

Gradual lordosis, or the inward curvature of the spine, is a common physiological change during pregnancy. As the baby grows and the woman’s center of gravity shifts, the spine adjusts to maintain balance.

Choice B rationale

Decreased mobility of pelvic joints is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy. In fact, the body releases the hormone relaxin during pregnancy, which allows the ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process.

Choice C rationale

Increased abdominal muscle tone is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy. In fact, as the baby grows, the abdominal muscles stretch and can even separate, a condition known as diastasis recti.

Choice D rationale

Posterior neck flexion is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy.