Problem
Scenario
You are seeing a 19-year-old female patient at a women's health clinic. Her chief complaint is mild lower abdominal pain and a copious amount of vaginal discharge. She is sexually active and reports having three partners in the last six months.
A. After a brief discussion with the patient about symptoms, you recognize the need to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Based on her history and symptoms, which STIs would you test for, and why?
B. Explain what physical examinations are indicated for this patient.
C. After your comprehensive assessment, all subjective and objective findings should be considered when developing differential diagnoses for patients presenting with a suspected STI. Describe what would be your top 3 differentials for this patient.
D. You are required by law to report STIs to the state health department. Which STIs are reportable in your state? Along with the diagnosed STI, explain what other information you must provide in the report.
E. Explain the legislation that allows for expedited partner therapy. Is it legal in your state? Is it within your scope of practice to provide expedited partner therapy? If so, please describe how you will integrate this into your practice?