Week 4 Miranda is a 20-year-old female student who presented in the clinic for check-up. She reported that she is currently sexually active and that in the past three days she has had a profuse and foul-smelling vaginal discharge which is gray in color. In addition, Miranda complained of having a burning sensation when urinating, genital redness and also experiences pain during sexual intercourse. On enquiry, Miranda narrated that she had a new sexually partner who she has been involved with sexually for the last one month. She also confessed that she has not been PRACTICUM JORNAL ENTRIES 2 using condoms because she takes birth control pills. Moreover, she does not have a family physician. Her Last Normal Menstrual Period was three months ago.

On physical examination, it was noted that there was erythema and excoriation on her vulva. In non-STI females, a finely granular appearance is seen but in Miranda, a creamy greenyellow discharge was seen. Vaginal swab was taken for diagnosis of the condition. On the microscope, fast-moving microorganisms with a flagella were seen. This was characteristic for trichomoniasis. Often, when patients are infected with trichomoniasis they also acquire other STIs. As a result, other diagnostic tests were conducted to determine whether she had any other STI apart from trichomoniasis, however, the tests were negative.

Kissinger & Adamski, (2013) point out that the first goal of relaying a diagnosis is to empower the patients to take part in making decisions by offering adequate factual information in terms that patients can comprehend. Although it takes time, this intervention ensures that there is increased trust between the physician and the patient. In discussing the diagnosis, I first examined Miranda’s degree of anxiety and level of information about STIs. She reported that she knows of a friend who was diagnosed with trichomoniasis 3 years ago but she would like to know more about the condition. Therefore, I told her that about 4 million individuals in the United States have the condition but only 30% present with symptoms. I also informed her that it is the most curable STI (Secor et al., 2014). I added that the spread of the condition can be prevented if individuals use condoms during sexual intercourse. I really loved the session because the patient was quite cooperative and responsive. Although she seemed anxious initially after making the diagnosis, I encouraged her to relax and she vowed to adhere to the clinical instructions.