The nurse suspects a gonorrheal infection in a client during an examination. Which of the following would be a priority action for the nurse?

Question

1. Counsel regarding safe sex practices.
2. Obtain history of sexual contacts.
3. Obtain a culture.
4. Document the findings.

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: The interaction between the nurse and client will include a discussion about safe sex practices. The discussion, however, of safe sexual practices is not a priority as the client has presented with a potential sexually transmitted infection.
Rationale 2: A listing of sexual contacts may be indicated in the event the disease is positively identified. At this time this step is premature pending the outcome of the diagnostic tests.
Rationale 3: Obtaining a culture of the potential infection is indicated as the priority. The findings of the culture will be used to determine the next actions of the nurse.
Rationale 4: The nurse will need to document the findings. It is most important to obtain the culture.