What test should the nurse assist in obtaining for an adolescent client suspected of having an STI?

In the context of an adolescent client suspected of having a sexually transmitted infection (STI), a pregnancy test is a critical assessment tool. Adolescents who are sexually active are at risk of both STIs and unintended pregnancies. A pregnancy test helps to rule out pregnancy as a factor in the patient's symptoms and to guide further management.

Identifying a pregnancy can influence treatment decisions and may necessitate additional counseling regarding sexual health, contraception, and STI prevention. In this scenario, focusing on the possibility of pregnancy aligns with the comprehensive health care approach for sexually active adolescents.

While a complete blood count (CBC) or urinalysis may provide valuable health information, they are not specific tests for STIs. Similarly, while a Papanicolaou (Pap) test is important for cervical cancer screening in females, it is not typically performed in adolescents unless there are specific risk factors or findings, and it does not serve as an initial screening tool for STIs. Thus, prioritizing a pregnancy test in this case is essential for appropriate patient management.