Final answer:
When caring for a client with tertiary syphilis, the nurse should prioritize monitoring the cardiovascular system due to the risk of severe conditions like fatal aortic aneurysm or coronary stenosis caused by cardiovascular syphilis.
O Cardiovascular
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for a client with tertiary syphilis, the nurse should monitor the cardiovascular system most closely. Tertiary syphilis is the final and most severe stage of the disease and can manifest a decade or two after the initial infection. The greatest risks during this stage include granulomatous lesions known as gummas, which can severely affect various body systems, including the cardiovascular and the central nervous system.
Specifically, cardiovascular syphilis can lead to life-threatening conditions such as a fatal aortic aneurysm or coronary stenosis. Therefore, careful monitoring of cardiovascular health is essential for patients with tertiary syphilis to prevent these potentially fatal outcomes. Likewise, symptoms such as paralysis, blindness, and dementia can occur due to damage to other systems, underscoring the need for comprehensive care.
With its capacity for causing significant and sometimes irreversible damage to the heart and blood vessels, the cardiovascular system's health is vital in determining the long-term outcomes for individuals with tertiary syphilis. Monitoring should include regular cardiovascular examinations and imaging studies to identify any developing conditions that might require immediate intervention.