1. The client/caregiver can define gonorrhea.
    1. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
    2. It can grow and multiply in the reproductive tract of women, and in the urethra of both men and women. It can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus.
    3. It is spread through contact with penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. Ejaculation does not need to occur for infection to occur.
    4. It can also be spread from mother to baby during delivery.
    5. The highest reported rates of infection are among sexually active teens, young adults, and blacks.
  2. The client/caregiver can list symptoms of gonorrhea.
    1. Men can develop symptoms from 2 to 5 days after infection until as long as 30 days. Many men do not develop symptoms.
    2. If men develop symptoms, they may be
      • Burning sensation when urinating
      • White, yellow, or green discharge from penis
      • White, yellow, or green discharge from penis
    3. Most infected women have no symptoms. If they have symptoms, they are mild and consist of
      • Painful or burning sensation when urinating
      • Increased vaginal discharge
      • Vaginal bleeding between periods
    4. Symptoms of rectal infection include
      • Rectal discharge
      • Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding
      • Painful bowel movements
    5. Infections in the throat may cause a sore throat.
  3. The client/caregiver can explain how gonorrhea is diagnosed.
    1. A gram stain of a sample from the urethra or cervix under a microscope in a doctors’ office or clinic can show bacterium. This is more effective for the male.
    2. Samples for testing from parts of the body suspected of infection can be obtained and sent to laboratory.
    3. If gonorrhea is present in the cervix or urethra, a urine sample can be sent to the laboratory for testing.
    4. Client should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases.
  4. The client/caregiver can explain the treatment of gonorrhea.
    1. Clients positive for gonorrhea should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases.
    2. Antibiotic therapy should be administered, and all medication should be taken as ordered.
    3. Drug therapy can stop the infection, but not correct any damage done.
  5. The client/caregiver can list possible complications.
    1. In women, complications can be
      • Pelvic inflammatory disease
      • Internal pelvic abscesses
      • Chronic pelvic pain
      • Cause infertility
      • Increase risk of ectopic pregnancy
    2. In men, complications can be
      • Epididymitis, which can lead to infertility
    3. In both men and women
      • Spread to blood or joints
      • Can more easily contract HIV
    4. Infants/newborns
      • Blindness
      • Joint infections
      • Life-threatening blood infections
  6. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent gonorrhea.
    1. Abstain from sexual intercourse.
    2. Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship.
    3. Have sexual partners examined, tested, and treated.
    4. Have consistent and correct use of condoms.
    5. If under treatment, avoid sex until treatment is complete.
    6. Notify physician if symptoms persist or recur.

Resources

Healthy People 2010www.health.gov/healthypeople

Centers for Disease Control and Preventionwww.cdc.gov/std/

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.

www.jbpub.com

Get Professional Care from the Hands of Clinicians

With the expertise and experience our professionals have, trust that we can address each of your concerns in the best way possible.

Set an Appointment