Case Summary
Mr. Wilson, 39, presents with dysuria and frequency. Sexually active with multiple partners, occasional unprotected intercourse. Urine positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Treated with one IM dose of Ceftriaxone and Doxycycline 100 mg orally for 7 days. Occasional alcohol use; smokes ~1 pack/3 days.
HIV Testing Recommendation for the Patient
In the clinical case under investigation, Mr. Wilson exhibits apparent symptoms of complications of urination in the form of pain and incontinence. In addition, the patient noted the sexual activity factor, during which it was found that the man had sex without barrier methods of protection. Given this factor and the associated symptoms, it is essential to convince Mr. Wilson to pass the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) test.
Testing for HIV is necessary in this case, as the sexual history of the patient indicates the presence of sexual contact with several partners without reliable protection. These symptoms associated with the genitourinary system may signal the presence of a sexually transmitted infection, which may include HIV. Testing for this virus is one way to control the spread of the virus and improve public health (Hu et al., 2021). Early detection is essential to timely intervention and to prevent further transmission.
Nurse’s Counseling and Preparation for HIV Testing
Nurses also play an essential role in testing and should help to prepare for the process. The nurse must have an open mind and create an enabling environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and problems. In this case, the specialist should professionally eliminate false fears and provide information about the confidentiality of the testing process. Informing people about HIV transmission and its follow-up is essential in promoting testing and prevention (Van Heuvel et al., 2022). In this way, a competent nurse can provide adequate support and inform the patient of all the critical HIV issues.
Finally, based on Mr. Wilson’s history, it is suggested that his symptoms indicate that the patient needs to be tested for HIV. Urinary problems combined with recent unprotected sex may indicate infection, so getting tested as quickly as possible is important. In this process, the nurse’s role is essential, as the specialist can provide reliable information, allay fears and doubts, and provide moral support to the patient. Open communication can help Mr. Wilson to prepare thoroughly for the procedure and ensure a high level of awareness about further action.
References
Hu, Q.-H., Xu, J.-J., Jiang, Y.-J., & Shang, H. (2021). Expanding human immunodeficiency virus testing: whole society participation and multilevel promotion. Chinese Medical Journal, 134(23), 2773–2775. Web.
Van Heuvel, Y., Schatz, S., Rosengarten, J. F., & Stitz, J. (2022). Infectious RNA: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) biology, therapeutic intervention, and the quest for a vaccine. Toxins, 14(2), 138. Web.