Which of the following are the immediate complications of pelvic inflammatory disease?

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Obstetrics and Midwifery Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

Pelvic peritonitis and septicemia are immediate, life-threatening complications of acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Peritonitis occurs when the infection spreads from the upper genital tract to the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Septicemia (sepsis) occurs when the causative bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to a systemic and potentially fatal infection.
These conditions represent the acute spread of the infection, unlike long-term sequelae which result from scarring and chronic inflammation.

Option B: While pelvic peritonitis is an immediate complication, dyspareunia (painful intercourse) is a late or chronic complication, often resulting from adhesions and chronic pelvic pain that develop over time.
Option C: Both infertility and adhesions are considered late or long-term sequelae of PID. They result from the scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes caused by the initial infection, not from the acute phase itself.
Option D: Both infertility and ectopic pregnancy are classic long-term complications of PID. They are caused by tubal scarring and damage that occurs as a result of the inflammation, not during the immediate acute phase.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Complications of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A nurse caring for a patient with PID must prioritize assessment for signs of systemic infection and peritonitis, such as high fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and severe, diffuse abdominal pain with guarding.
Early detection and prompt initiation of IV antibiotics are critical to prevent the progression to septic shock and death.
Patient education is vital. The nurse should teach the patient about completing the full course of antibiotics, the importance of partner treatment to prevent reinfection, and safe sex practices to prevent future STIs.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'immediate complications'. This directs you to look for acute, severe outcomes, not long-term consequences.
Next, analyze the disease process: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection. Think about how a severe, localized infection can spread.
Evaluate the options by categorizing them as either 'acute/immediate' or 'chronic/late'.
Peritonitis (spread to abdominal lining) and septicemia (spread to blood) are direct, immediate results of a spreading infection.
Infertility, adhesions, and ectopic pregnancy are results of scarring and damage that take time to develop after the acute infection has resolved. Therefore, they are late complications.
Select the option that contains only immediate complications.

Concept Tested & Keywords

qCD_TcmsK5Y0PKxMECGFn

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 14-20

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1040-1042

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1148-1150