Your patient has gestational diabetes and she is currently on insulin 24 units in the morning and at night. She is worried about her baby and what will happen after the baby is born. In your education of the patient, you explain what will occur after the baby is born. Which major neonatal complication is carefully monitored after the birth of the infant of a diabetic mother?

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.

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.