At 6 weeks' gestation, a client is diagnosed with gonorrhea. What medication is likely to be prescribed?

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) is the recommended treatment for gonorrhea during pregnancy. It belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and is effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for the infection. This medication is preferred because it has a long half-life, can be administered via injection, and provides a single-dose option, which is particularly beneficial in ensuring adherence to therapy in pregnant patients.

Treating gonorrhea effectively is crucial in pregnancy due to the potential complications that untreated infections can cause, such as premature birth or transmission of the infection to the newborn during delivery. Ceftriaxone is deemed safe for use in pregnancy, making it the optimal choice in this scenario.

Other antibiotics listed, such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, and metronidazole, are used to treat different infections but may not be the first line for gonorrhea, especially in the context of pregnancy where specific treatments are preferred to minimize risks to both the mother and the fetus.