During a staff development conference on sexually transmitted diseases, which statement, if made, would require nurse to follow up?

• A. Chlamydia infections are strongly linked with cervical cancer
• B. HPV infection guarantees immunity after vaccination
• C. Gonorrhea does not require follow-up testing
• D. HIV is not affected by other STDs

Answer: (A)

This question tests how to handle misinformation in patient education about sexually transmitted diseases. When a staff member says something that could mislead patients about disease relationships or management, the nurse must follow up to correct it and ensure accurate information is shared.

The statement about Chlamydia infections being strongly linked with cervical cancer is not supported by evidence. Cervical cancer is primarily linked to persistent infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). Chlamydia can cause other serious issues (like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy), but it is not recognized as a strong cause of cervical cancer. Because this claim could lead to incorrect beliefs and inappropriate health decisions, it would necessitate follow-up to provide correct information about HPV, cervical cancer screening, and the role of vaccination.

The other ideas—HPV vaccination not conferring immunity, gonorrhea not needing follow-up testing, or HIV being unaffected by other STDs—are also incorrect in practice, and all would merit correction. However, the statement about the chlamydia-cervical cancer link is the one that clearly represents a misinformation gap that requires direct follow-up to ensure safe, accurate patient education.