- The client/caregiver can define trichomoniasis.
- It is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
- Transmission of the organism occurs via sex with an infected person.
- It is the most common curable STD in young, sexually active women.
- Diagnosis is made by microscopic exam of culture of penis or vagina.
- The client/caregiver can list symptoms for this disease.
- If symptoms occur, they appear within 4 to 20 days of exposure.
- Most men do not have symptoms. If they do have symptoms, they may have
- “Tingling” or irritation inside the penis
- Mild discharge
- Slight burning after urination or ejaculation
- Symptoms for women may be
- Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with strong odor
- Discomfort during intercourse or urination
- Itching or irritation to the female genital area
- The client/caregiver will list treatment and preventive measures for this disease.
- Metronidazole (Flagyl) is used as an effective medication treatment.
- Test for other sexually transmitted diseases (especially gonorrhea).
- Persons being treated should avoid sex until they and their sex partner(s) complete treatment.
- People can still be susceptible to reinfection.
Resources
Community Health Clinic
Centers for Disease Control and Preventionwww.cdc.gov/std/
Healthy People 2010www.health.gov/healthypeople
References
Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care. Philadelphia: Mosby Inc.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2002). Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. MMWR 2002;51 (no. RR-6).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005, September). Sexually transmitted disease surveillance. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Cohen, B. J., & Taylor, J. J. (2005). Memmler’s the human body in health and disease (10th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Hunt, R. 2005. Introduction to community based nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2006). Clinical nursing skills & technique. St. Louis: Mosby Inc.
Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott
Credits
Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.
© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.