On a recent exam, one question (which was supposedly an NCLEX question) was answered incorrectly by 28 out of 30 students in our class, yet our professor remains adamant. Here it is:
"A man who has a profuse, purulent urethral discharge with painful urination is seen at the sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. Which information will be most important for the nurse to obtain?"
A.) The date of his last sexual activity
B.) A prior history of STDs
C.) When the symptoms began
D.) The names of recent sexual partner
The class majority was an even split between B and C. Apparently the right answer was D. This was rationalized as a community health choice; a prioritization of preventing the spread of this STD and protecting the health of his partners. It's not that the other actions won't be performed, just that this one is the *most important.*
Funnily, this was the first answer I crossed off, for sounding absurdley wrong. To me, this seems to be a dark ethical decision to place "the good of the many" above his, at least initially. I can't wrap my mind around focusing on everyone else while this man is my patient. Note, this question doesn't state I'm a community health nurse, or someone else who may place a much greater emphasis on the epidemiological aspects of his visit.
I'm very curious to hear some opinions on this! Thanks
No, that I understand... nevermind new question. Is this nurse going to be the one to notify the partners? Or is that someone else's job?
The answer to this question depends upon the policies and procedures of the clinic where the patient is receiving treatment. Basic standard of public health requires that partners be notified in a timely manner. How that is accomplished is up to each individual clinic according to local health department guidance.
I understand that you're trying to sort this all out in your mind, and I applaud you for that. But you are now digging way too deep into minutia, especially for an NCLEX question. This test question was intended to determine a student's understanding of principles of public health, not the policies and procedures of any individual clinic.
SomeoneE1se
16 Posts
No, that I understand... nevermind new question. Is this nurse going to be the one to notify the partners? Or is that someone else's job?