In preparing to discuss safe sex practices with a 20-year-old, it is m

In preparing to discuss safe sex practices with a 20-year-old, it is most important that the nurse shares with the client that in addition to physical symptoms of genital pain and discharge, sex-ually transmitted diseases:

1. Can lead to chronic illness and infertility
2. Are particularly common in young adults
3. Respond well to treatment when detected early
4. May be effectively controlled through the use of condoms

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a major public health problem for sexually active persons, with almost half of all new infections occurring in men and women younger than 24 years of age (USDHHS, CDC, 2004). While Option 1 is true, it is vitally important that the nurse first share the high probability of contracting a STD to a sexually active young adult who practices unprotected sex. While some STDs respond well to early treatment, some, such as geni-tal herpes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can only be managed because no cure is currently available. While Option 4 may be true, it is vitally important that the nurse first share the high probability of contracting a STD in a sexually active young adult who practices unpro-tected sex.