Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

A client exhibits symptoms of potential pelvic inflammatory disease. What should the nurse prioritize in their intervention?

1. Provide education on STD prevention and treatment.

2. Refer the client for medical evaluation and treatment for PID.

3. Contact health authorities to confirm the spouse's exposure to STDs.

4. Provide symptom relief with over-the-counter medication.

The correct answer is: Refer the client for medical evaluation and treatment for PID.

In this scenario, prioritizing a referral for medical evaluation and treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is crucial for several reasons. PID is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to significant complications, including infertility, chronic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. By referring the client for medical evaluation, the nurse ensures that the client receives appropriate diagnostic testing and potentially necessary treatments, such as antibiotics. Timely medical intervention can prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of long-term complications. While providing education on STD prevention and treatment, contacting health authorities regarding potential exposure, and offering symptom relief are all valuable actions, they may not address the immediate medical needs that arise from a potential PID diagnosis. Education and symptom relief are important, but without proper medical evaluation and treatment, the client's health could deteriorate. Thus, the referral for comprehensive care is the most pressing intervention in this situation.