What should concern a nurse the most when dealing with a 16-year-old diagnosed with gonorrhea?

The primary concern for the nurse when dealing with a 16-year-old diagnosed with gonorrhea is finding the client's contacts. This is crucial because gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that can easily be spread to others. Prompt identification and notification of sexual partners are essential to prevent further transmission of the infection within the community. This approach not only addresses the immediate health concern of the patient but also plays a significant role in public health efforts to control the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Ensuring that contacts are tested and treated if necessary significantly reduces the risk of reinfection and helps to break the cycle of transmission.

While determining a treatment plan, assessing for symptoms, and educating the client about safe practices are all important aspects of managing gonorrhea, the urgency of controlling the spread of the infection through contact tracing places finding the client's contacts as the highest priority. By focusing on the contacts, the nurse is actively contributing to the health and safety of both the patient and the broader community.