Question

A female client seen in the ambulatory care clinic has a history of syphilis infection. The nurse assessing the client for reinfection would expect to observe a lesion on the labia that has which characteristic?

a) Painless ulcer
b) Itching and redness
c) Multiple vesicles
d) Greenish-yellow discharge

Answer 1

A nurse assessing a female client with a history of syphilis infection for reinfection would expect to find a painless ulcer, known as a hard chancre, which is typical of primary syphilis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lesion on the labia that a nurse would expect to observe in a female client with a history of syphilis infection, and who is being assessed for reinfection, would be a painless ulcer. This type of lesion is characteristic of primary syphilis and is referred to as a hard chancre. It is usually firm, round, and painless, appearing at where the syphilis bacteria entered the body. It can last from 3 to 6 weeks and will heal regardless of treatment, which makes it particularly dangerous as it may go unnoticed, especially if located in more hidden areas such as the cervix or anus. Lesions caused by other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes may be painful or itchy and those caused by chancroid would manifest as painful, open sores that may bleed or produce fluid.