A nurse is caring for a male client who has a new diagnosis of genital herpes (HSV 2). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A: Call the surgeon to perform a femoral puncture. This action is not appropriate because it is unnecessary and invasive. A femoral puncture is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the femoral vein in the groin area to obtain a blood sample. It is usually reserved for situations where other veins are inaccessible or unsuitable, such as in trauma or shock. It is not indicated for a routine CBC test.

Choice B: Assist in holding the client's arm still. This action is not appropriate because it is harmful and contraindicated. Holding the client's arm still may cause injury or infection to the arm that has undergone surgery and lymph node removal. It may also increase the risk of lymphedema, which is a condition that causes swelling and pain in the arm due to fluid accumulation and impaired lymphatic drainage.

Choice C: Tell the technician to obtain the blood sample from the client's left arm. This action is appropriate because it is safe and recommended. Obtaining the blood sample from the client's left arm can avoid complications such as injury, infection, or lymphedema in the right arm that has undergone surgery and lymph node removal. The technician can use a different site than the antecubital space, such as the hand or wrist, to avoid interfering with the intravenous line.

Choice D: Suggest a finger stick be done on one of the client's left fingers. This action is not appropriate because it is unreliable and inaccurate. A finger stick is a procedure that involves pricking the finger with a lancet to obtain a small amount of blood for testing. It is usually used for point-of-care testing, such as glucose or hemoglobin levels, but not for a CBC test. A CBC test requires a larger volume of blood and a venous sample for accurate results.

Choice A: "If your sexual partner has no symptoms, no medication is needed." This statement is false and misleading. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain if left untreated. Chlamydia can also be passed on to newborns during delivery, causing eye infections or pneumonia. Therefore, it is important that both the client and their sexual partner(s) receive treatment and abstain from sexual activity until they are cured.

Choice B: "This infection is treated with one dose of azithromycin." This statement is true and accurate. Azithromycin is an antibiotic that can effectively treat chlamydia with one oral dose. However, some people may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain after taking azithromycin. Therefore, it is important that the client follows the instructions and completes the treatment as prescribed.

Choice C: "You need to return in 6 months for retesting." This statement is false and unnecessary. Retesting for chlamydia is recommended only if the client has symptoms, has a new or multiple sexual partner(s), or is pregnant. Otherwise, retesting is not required if the client and their partner(s) have completed the treatment and have no further exposure to chlamydia.

Choice D: "You have to avoid sexual relations for 3 days." This statement is false and insufficient. The client should avoid sexual relations until they and their partner(s) have completed the treatment and have no symptoms of chlamydia. This may take longer than 3 days, depending on the type and duration of the treatment. Therefore, it is advisable that the client uses condoms or abstains from sexual activity until they are cured.