A client with gonorrhea at 33 weeks' gestation is prescribed dual therapy. Why is this necessary?

When treating gonorrhea, especially in pregnant clients, dual therapy is often prescribed to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and over time, some strains of this bacterium have developed resistance to certain antibiotics. By using a combination of antibiotics, clinicians can effectively target the infection from different angles, reducing the chance that the bacteria will survive and adapt to treatment.

Additionally, the use of dual therapy enhances the likelihood of eradicating the infection completely, which is particularly crucial during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the fetus from complications associated with untreated infections. Ensuring that the infection is properly treated reduces the risks of premature labor, low birth weight, and other health issues that could arise from maternal infections.

In this scenario, focusing solely on ensuring higher penicillin levels in the blood does not fully address the primary goal of dual therapy in the context of treating gonorrhea, particularly in light of growing antibiotic resistance concerns. It is essential to utilize the most effective treatment strategy to combat this common sexually transmitted infection.