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

Chloasma. Also known as melasma or the “mask of pregnancy,” chloasma is a common skin change during pregnancy. It appears as dark, irregular patches on the face19.

Choice B rationale

Linea nigra. This is a dark line that runs from the belly button to the pubic hair. It is another common skin change during pregnancy19.

Choice C rationale

Eczema. While some women may experience a worsening of eczema symptoms during pregnancy, it’s not a skin change that’s specifically associated with pregnancy19.

Choice D rationale

Psoriasis. Like eczema, psoriasis is not a skin change that’s specifically associated with pregnancy. Some women may see their psoriasis improve during pregnancy, while others may see it get worse19.

Choice E rationale

Striae gravidarum. Also known as stretch marks, these are another common skin change during pregnancy. They appear as pink, red, or purple streaks on the skin19.

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 inflamed labia majora and minora and a large amount of frothy, yellow-green, malodorous discharge.

Choice B rationale

The client’s symptoms are indicative of Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. 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

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.