Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics is considered the best initial management strategy for a patient presenting symptoms suggestive of a gynecological infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which often presents with abdominal pain, fever, and possibly malodorous vaginal discharge. This management approach addresses the potential polymicrobial nature of PID until more specific pathogen information can be identified. Administering antipyretics may help alleviate fever but does not address the underlying infection. Pain management is also important but secondary to treating the infection. While pelvic ultrasound is useful in diagnosis, it is not an initial management step.