Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In the management of a patient diagnosed with PID, what is the protocol regarding the treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis?

1. No treatment required if the test is negative

2. Only treat for Chlamydia if symptoms persist

3. This patient should be treated for Chlamydia regardless of the test result

4. Repeat the Gen-Probe test for Chlamydia

The correct answer is: This patient should be treated for Chlamydia regardless of the test result

In the management of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), it is important to recognize that Chlamydia trachomatis is a common causative agent. The protocol for treating patients diagnosed with PID involves the assumption that the patient may have Chlamydia, even if testing has not been conducted or results are pending. Treating the patient for Chlamydia, regardless of test results, is a crucial preventive measure. This is because untreated Chlamydia infections can lead to serious complications such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. The risk associated with potential undiagnosed or untested Chlamydia infections justifies the initiation of treatment immediately, without relying solely on laboratory confirmation. In clinical practice, the decision to treat pre-emptively aligns with public health guidelines that aim to minimize the risk of complications associated with PID. Offering treatment proactively supports patient health and helps to reduce transmission within the population. Thus, treating the patient for Chlamydia in the context of a PID diagnosis is both a safe and evidence-based approach.