After teaching a group of adolescent girls about female reproductive development, the nurse determines that teaching was successful when the girls state that menarche is defined as a woman's first:

Choice A: Trichomoniasis is not the correct answer because it does not match the findings of the client. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can cause symptoms such as yellow-green or gray frothy vaginal discharge, foul odor, itching, burning, or redness of the vulva or vagina.

Choice B: Genital herpes simplex is not the correct answer because it does not match the findings of the client. Genital herpes simplex is an STI caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause symptoms such as painful blisters or ulcers on or around the genitals, fever, headache, or swollen lymph nodes.

Choice C: Candidiasis is the correct answer because it matches the findings of the client. Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. It can cause symptoms such as thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, intense itching, burning, or soreness of the vulva or vagina, or dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse).

Choice D: Bacterial vaginosis is not the correct answer because it does not match the findings of the client. Bacterial vaginosis is a condition caused by an imbalance of the normal vaginal flora (the bacteria that live in the vagina). It can cause symptoms such as thin, gray-white or yellow vaginal discharge, fishy odor, itching, or burning of the vulva or vagina.

Choice A: "Don't worry, I will be with you during the exam." This response is not appropriate because it does not address the client's feelings or concerns. It also may sound dismissive or patronizing to the client, who may have valid reasons to be nervous.

Choice B: "What part of the exam makes you most nervous?" This response is appropriate because it shows empathy and interest in the client's perspective. It also invites the client to express her fears or questions and allows the nurse to provide information and reassurance.

Choice C: "All you need to do is relax." This response is not appropriate because it does not acknowledge the client's feelings or concerns. It also may sound unrealistic or insensitive to the client, who may find it hard to relax in a stressful situation.

Choice D: "A pelvic exam is required if you want birth control pills." This response is not appropriate because it does not address the client's feelings or concerns. It also may sound coercive or threatening to the client, who may feel pressured or intimidated by the requirement.