The nurse is caring for a client with the sexually transmitted infection (STI) syphilis. The client reports having unprotected sex. Which response should the nurse provide?

Rationale: A. Clarify that all STIs are transmitted through sexual intercourse: Not all STIs are exclusively transmitted through intercourse; some can spread through oral-genital contact, skin-to-skin contact, or shared needles. B. Emphasize that using safe sex practices removes the risk of STIs: Safe sex practices reduce the risk of STIs but do not completely eliminate it. Barrier methods like condoms lower transmission rates, but there is still a residual risk with skin-to-skin infections. C. Explain that reinfections occur from sex with untreated partners: Clients treated for syphilis remain at risk of reinfection if their sexual partners are not also treated. Reinforcing this promotes partner notification and comprehensive treatment to stop the infection cycle. D. Provide counseling that most contraceptives protect against infection: Most contraceptives, such as birth control pills, IUDs, or implants, prevent pregnancy but offer no protection against STIs. Only barrier methods like condoms can help prevent transmission.