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Treatment plan based on one of the three di2erentials discussed in Part 1
The treatment plan based on the diagnosis of chlamydia can be provider specific. Regarding diagnostic
testing, the provider can go ahead and test for other sexually transmitted infections, particularly gonorrhea.
Both gonorrhea and chlamydia typically come together in many patients. Therefore, the provider may want to
go ahead and co-treat both infections before either becomes complicated.
Appropriate diagnostic tests and expected results
The most preferred diagnostic tool is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). For those who have the
infection, the result would be positive, which is expected for someone who presents with clinical symptoms
of chlamydia. A urine chlamydial test can also be useful and will be positive in the presence of infection.
Medications and nonpharmacologic treatments
The first line pharmacological treatment for chlamydia is doxycycline 100mg orally twice a day for seven days;
this is best for patients with an uncomplicated infection. Alternative medication management is levofloxacin,
and azithromycin is a safe choice for pregnant patients. Azithromycin may be a better choice for those who
may not be compliant with medications due to the option of only having one dose versus treatment for seven
days. According to Apato et al. (2024), there is a significant problem with non-compliance for patients taking
the seven-course doxycycline in comparison to the one dose of azithromycin. Nonpharmacological
management includes abstaining from sexual activity until the full course of treatment is completed. For
those with pelvic pain, warm compresses and NSAIDs can help alleviate discomfort.
Suggested consults/referrals
This diagnosis can be treated in the primary clinical setting; therefore, a referral or consult is not
recommended at this time.
Client education
Education should include that chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that is only transmitted through
sexual contact. Risk factors include several diPerent intimate partners, history of previous STIs, and lack of
barrier methods during contact such as condoms. It is highly encouraged to finish the prescribed antibiotics
to clear out the infection and come back after completion of treatment to have a test of cure. Immediately
discontinue the medication and report to the ED if experiencing any of the following symptoms after initiation
of treatment: diPiculty breathing, excessive drooling, facial or throat swelling. The test of cure is to confirm
that the individual does not have the infection anymore. Also, it is important to have their partners tested and
treated to reduce the spread. If left untreated in females, this infection can cause infertility issues due to the
pathophysiology and the permanent damage to the reproductive organs causing scar tissue. During
treatment, it is important to rest and hydrate as the body is trying to recover. Providers should promote a
healthy hygiene regimen to keep the genital area clean and avoid scented or harsh soaps.
Follow-up
Patients should follow-up at least three months after completion of treatment to perform the test of cure.
Individuals should follow-up sooner if any of the following occur: pain during urination, rectal bleeding/pain,
abnormal discharge. For females, worsening pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding. For males, testicular pain or
swelling noted.
INSTRUCTIONS BELOW-
a. Include a minimum of two di1erent scholarly sources. References must be within 5
years with hyperlink to the website used included. Cite all references and provide
references for all citations.
a. Engage by o1ering new insights, applications, perspectives, information, or
implications for practice. Contribute new, novel perspectives to the discussion
using original dialogue (not quotes from sources). Communicate using respectful,
collegial language and terminology appropriate to advanced nursing practice.
b. Professionalism in Communication: Communicate with minimal errors in English
grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation.
c. Reference Citation: Use current APA format to format citations and references
and is free of errors.
