The nurse providing care in a women's health care setting must be aware of which sexually transmitted infection that can be successfully treated and cured?

Choice A reason: Human papillomavirus is incorrect because it is not caused by a bacterium, but by a virus. It can cause genital warts and cervical cancer, but it cannot be cured with antibiotics.

Choice B reason: Gonorrhea is correct because it is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, often produces no symptoms, but can be treated with antibiotics. If symptoms occur, they may include painful urination and discharge from the penis or vagina. If left untreated, the infection can result in more serious long-term problems, including infertility, pain, and joint problems.

Choice C reason: Herpes simplex virus is incorrect because it is not caused by a bacterium, but by a virus. It can cause genital herpes, which is marked by painful blisters and sores in the genital area. It cannot be cured with antibiotics, but antiviral medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

Choice D reason: Cytomegalovirus is incorrect because it is not caused by a bacterium, but by a virus. It usually causes mild or no symptoms in healthy people, but can be serious in people with weakened immune systems or unborn babies. It cannot be cured with antibiotics, but antiviral medications can help treat the symptoms.

Choice A reason: This is too short of a time frame for seroconversion to occur. Seroconversion is the process of developing antibodies to HIV, which can be detected by a blood test. It usually takes several weeks for the immune system to produce enough antibodies to be measurable.

Choice B reason: This is the typical time frame for seroconversion to occur. Most people will develop antibodies to HIV within 6 to 12 weeks after exposure. However, some people may take longer, up to 6 months or more.

Choice C reason: This is the upper limit of the time frame for seroconversion to occur. Some people may have a delayed antibody response to HIV, especially if they have a weakened immune system or take antiretroviral drugs. Therefore, it is recommended to repeat the HIV test after 6 months of exposure to confirm the diagnosis.

Choice D reason: This is an arbitrary time frame that does not reflect the average or the range of seroconversion. It is neither too short nor too long, but it is not accurate.