Nokea
A nurse examines a patient and finds a single, firm, painless open sore with indurated borders on the vulva. The nurse correlates this finding with which disorder?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Syphilis. A single, firm, painless open sore with indurated borders on the vulva is characteristic of the primary stage of syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This sore is known as a chancre and typically appears at the site of infection. It is painless due to the destruction of local sensory nerves by the bacteria. Syphilis can progress through different stages if left untreated.
Choice A: HPV infection does not typically present with a single painless sore but rather with warty growths or lesions on the genital area.
Choice B: Herpes infection usually presents with multiple painful blisters or sores, not a single painless sore.
Choice C: Gonorrhea does not typically present as a painless sore but rather with symptoms like burning during urination, discharge, and pelvic pain.