Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Sexually Transmitted Infections Related

Review Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Sexually Transmitted Infections related questions and content

A patient has genital warts around her external genitalia and perianal area. She tells the nurse that she has not had treatment until now because 'the warts are so disgusting.' Which of the following nursing diagnoses is best?

  • A. Disturbed body image related to alteration in self-perception (feelings about the genital warts)
  • B. Ineffective coping related to inadequate confidence in ability to deal with a situation
  • C. Risk for infection as evidenced by insufficient knowledge to avoid exposure to pathogens
  • D. Anxiety related to threat to current status (impact of condition on interpersonal relationships)
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient's statement that her lesions are disgusting suggests that disturbed body image is the major concern and is quite common in patients that have genital warts. There is no evidence to indicate ineffective coping or lack of knowledge about mode of transmission. The patient may be experiencing anxiety, but there is nothing in the data indicating that the genital warts are impacting interpersonal relationships.