Nokea
A client comes to a community clinic after being informed by a sexual partner of possible recent exposure to syphilis. The nurse will examine the client for which clinical manifestation of syphilis in the primary stage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chancre. In the primary stage of syphilis, a painless, firm, and non-itchy sore called a chancre appears at the site of infection. This sore can develop within 3 weeks of exposure to the bacteria. It is important for the nurse to examine the client for chancres as they are a hallmark sign of primary syphilis.
B: A copper-colored rash involving the trunk and extremities is seen in the secondary stage of syphilis, not the primary stage.
C: Flulike symptoms may occur in the primary stage but are not specific to syphilis.
D: Condyloma lata are wart-like growths seen in secondary syphilis, not the primary stage.
Therefore, the presence of a chancre is the key clinical manifestation to identify in the primary stage of syphilis.