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: Chlamydia is not the least common of all the major sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, it is the most common bacterial STD in the world, affecting about 131 million people each year. ¹ Therefore, this statement is false and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice B reason: Good handwashing technique is not the best way to prevent chlamydial infections. Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact, not through casual contact or hygiene. The best way to prevent chlamydial infections is to practice safe sex, such as using condoms, limiting the number of partners, and getting tested regularly. Therefore, this statement is misleading and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice C reason: Most people infected with chlamydia are unaware that they are infected. This is because chlamydia often has no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild and easily ignored. This can lead to serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and increased risk of HIV. Therefore, this statement is true and needs to be emphasized.

Choice D reason: Burning and pain with urination is a frequent symptom of chlamydial infections. However, this symptom is not specific to chlamydia, as it can also occur with other STDs or urinary tract infections. Moreover, not all people with chlamydia experience this symptom, especially women. Therefore, this statement is not very informative and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice A reason: Syphilis is not caused by a virus, but by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. It can also be spread through unprotected sex, but it has different stages and symptoms than herpes. Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics if detected early.

Choice B reason: HIV/AIDS is caused by a virus, but not one that is related to the virus that causes chickenpox. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV can be spread through unprotected sex, but also through other means such as blood transfusion or sharing needles. HIV cannot be cured, but antiretroviral therapy can help control the infection and prevent AIDS.

Choice C reason: Gonorrhea is not caused by a virus, but by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can be spread through unprotected sex, but it usually causes symptoms such as discharge, burning, or pain in the genitals, anus, or throat. Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics, but some strains are resistant to treatment.

Choice D reason: Herpes simplex virus is caused by a virus that is related to the virus that causes chickenpox. There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes (cold sores), while HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. However, both types can infect either area. Herpes can be spread through any form of unprotected sex, and can be transmitted even when there are no visible sores. Herpes has no cure, but antiviral medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.