Many behaviors place any individual—regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics—at greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The nurse should include primary prevention interventions in all client encounters through the discussion of:

• A. Partner Notification.
• B. Safer Sex.
• C. Standard Precautions.
• D. STD Testing.

Answer: (B)

Reducing risk before exposure is the aim of primary prevention in sexual health, and in nursing practice this is carried out by discussing safer sex with every client encounter. Safer sex directly lowers the chance of acquiring an STD by addressing behaviors that drive risk. This includes using barrier methods such as condoms correctly for all vaginal, anal, and oral sex, practicing mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner, reducing the number of sexual partners, and getting recommended vaccines (like HPV and hepatitis B) when available. This universal approach applies to all clients, regardless of age, gender, or background, and is delivered in a nonjudgmental, confidential way to foster open communication and prevention.

Partner notification occurs after an infection is identified to prevent onward transmission, not to prevent first-time infection in every encounter. STD testing is screening to detect infections, which helps with early treatment but is not the same as preventing the initial acquisition. Standard precautions protect healthcare workers and patients in clinical settings, not the ongoing, preventative education provided to clients in the community about reducing risk.