Question

Community Case: STIs and Older Adults Case Part 1 The state health department reports that there has been a dramatic increase in secually transmitted infections (STIS), especially gonorrhea and HIV, in select populations within the state. A population of particular concern with a notably increased incidence of STIs is the Sunny Side Retirement Community, which had 15 newly diagnosed cases last month. Sunny Side offers numerous amenities and recreation activities for more affluent retirees who choseto retire in a warmer climate Renee, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, is employed in the federally qualified health center, and provides primary care services to residents. Within the past few weeks, several women have sought care for urgency, frequency, and sometimes discomfort with urination along with vaginal and perineal itching and drainage. Today, Luanne Barton arrives in the office with similar symptoms Questions for students What is your initial diagnosis based on the symptoms reported by Luanne Barton? 2. How can the nurse initiate a conversation with Luanne regarding her sexuality 3. Describe risk factors among older individuals for being exposed to an STI.

Answer 1

1.

The initial diagnosis for the symptoms described by the patient here can be varied, as per the symptoms described of urgency, urination, vaginal itching etc. this can be a case of Urinary tract infection or an extended scenario of sexually transmitted diseases due to its prevalence in the region. The thorough assessment and tests are required before diagnosing the correct issue.

2.

It is hard to initiate or ask soimeone regarding their sexuality, but as a role of the health professionals this has to be done appropriately tog ather information and reach point diagnosis. Here the nurse can initiate the coversation with Luanna regarding her sexuality by first asking her regarding her preferences, then slightly directing the questions regarding her current sex life and what are her choices.

3.

The risk of STD in older individual is higher than others. As it is seen that number of HIV infection is growing in people over 50 years more in current concepts. This is mainly because that this age group is not considered at risk of STD and are not screened for it. This leads to increased cases of STD among them. The elder population is also not well educated and instructed for prevention of STD's that makes them to be at higher risk of of such diseases.