N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide • Syphilis: Caused by Treponema pallidum, a spirochete. It sas three stages and if left untreated can progress over the course of many years. • Human Paillomavirus (HPV): Condyloma acuminatum causes genital warts. This can cause cervical cancer in women if left untreated. This virus has an eight-month incubation period. • Chlamydia: These bacteria, chlamydia trachomatis, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women. Transmission rate is high because not all individuals infected have symptoms. It is treated with antibiotics in both partners. • Pelvic inflammatory disease: The resulting complication of untreated STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. It can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, infertility, and even death. Treatment involves measures to heal the underlying infection and possible surgical removal of scar tissue that can reach as high as the upper internal organs including the liver, kidneys, and bowels. STDs were known at one time as venereal disease and are very embarrassing to talk about. Many people do not seek treatment until complications occur. This also causes the disease to spread in people with multiple sexual partners. Women are at a higher risk for severe complications than men and it can infect their unborn child. It is also important to test anyone with an STD for other infections at the same time. For instance, a patient with gonorrhea may also have HIV. A patient with HPV may also have chlamydia. This additional testing will prevent complications and ensure appropriate care for the patient. Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea: • Urinary tract infection • Dysuria • Urethritis • Urinary frequency with burning • Epididymitis in men • Vaginal discharge • Itching pelvic pain (PID in women) Signs and symptoms of syphilis: • Chancre (first sign of infection) • Rash (secondary sign of infection) • Fever (secondary stage) • Arthritis (secondary stage) • Lymphadenopathy (secondary stage) • Malaise (secondary stage) • Weight loss (secondary stage) • Meningitis (secondary/tertiary stage) • Dementia (tertiary stage) • Aneurysm (tertiary stage) • Heart failure (tertiary stage) • Gumma lesions (tertiary stage) • Valve insufficiency (secondary stage) • Psychosis (tertiary stage) Signs and symptoms of human papilloma virus: • Vaginal bleeding • Discharge with odor • Fleshy painless growths in vaginal area • Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 60 of 204