During the nursing assessment of a patient with suspected Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), the nurse observes the patient experiencing fever and chills.
Which statement by the patient supports the clinical presentation of PID?

Choice A rationale:

Treatment for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) usually involves a course of antibiotics.

PID is primarily caused by bacterial infections, most commonly chlamydia and gonorrhea, which ascend from the cervix into the upper reproductive organs, leading to inflammation.

Antibiotics, such as doxycycline and ceftriaxone, are the mainstay of therapy to target and eliminate the underlying infection.

This choice is correct because it aligns with evidence-based treatment guidelines for PID.

Choice B rationale:

"Surgery is the primary treatment for PID." This statement is incorrect.

Surgery is not the primary treatment for PID.

While surgery may be necessary in severe cases of PID with abscess formation or other complications, it is not the first-line treatment.

Antibiotic therapy is the initial and most common approach to manage PID.

Choice C rationale:

"There is no effective treatment for PID." This statement is incorrect and misleading.

PID is a treatable condition, and there are effective treatment options available, as mentioned in choice A.

Failing to provide accurate information about treatment options could lead to unnecessary anxiety and fear in the patient.

Choice D rationale:

"PID is treated with hormonal therapy." This statement is incorrect.

Hormonal therapy is not the primary treatment for PID.

While hormonal contraception may be considered as part of PID management to prevent unintended pregnancies, it does not treat the underlying infection or inflammation associated with PID.

Antibiotics are the cornerstone of PID treatment.

Choice A rationale:

Assessing vital signs, including temperature.

Assessing vital signs, including temperature, is an essential component of the nursing assessment, but collecting vaginal and cervical swabs for STI testing primarily supports obtaining a detailed medical history.

The swabs are collected to identify the presence of sexually transmitted infections, which would be a crucial aspect of the patient's medical history.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining a detailed medical history.

Collecting vaginal and cervical swabs for STI testing is a part of obtaining a detailed medical history.

It helps in understanding the patient's sexual history, potential risk factors for STIs, and symptoms that might suggest the presence of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

This information is vital for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Choice C rationale:

Evaluating the patient's response to antibiotic therapy.

Evaluating the patient's response to antibiotic therapy is important in the management of PID but is not the primary purpose of collecting vaginal and cervical swabs.

The swabs are primarily used for diagnostic purposes to confirm the presence of STIs that may have contributed to PID.

Choice D rationale:

Performing a physical examination of the abdomen and pelvis.

Performing a physical examination of the abdomen and pelvis is a crucial part of the nursing assessment for a patient with suspected PID.

However, collecting vaginal and cervical swabs primarily supports obtaining a detailed medical history, which is essential for diagnosing and managing PID.