Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which treatment is CDC-recommended for uncomplicated gonorrheal and chlamydial infections?

1. Metronidazole (Flagyl)

2. Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

3. Azithromycin 1 g orally OR doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days

4. 1 dose of oral fluconazole (Diflucan)

The correct answer is: Azithromycin 1 g orally OR doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days

The recommended treatment by the CDC for uncomplicated gonorrheal and chlamydial infections is to use either Azithromycin 1 g orally or Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days. This recommendation is based on the effectiveness of these antibiotics against the causative organisms of these sexually transmitted infections. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively treating Chlamydia trachomatis, which is known for causing chlamydial infections. Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, is also effective against Chlamydia and has shown efficacy in treating uncomplicated gonorrhea, especially when used in combination with other therapies. Using these medications as indicated allows for effective management of both infections, addressing the high likelihood of co-infection. The choice of therapy must take into account the patient's medical history, allergy status, and the potential for drug resistance, which is especially relevant in the case of gonococcal infections. Other options, such as Metronidazole, which is effective against bacterial vaginosis and certain parasitic infections, or Valacyclovir and fluconazole, which are targeted towards viral and fungal infections respectively, do not apply to the