Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

How is acquired syphilis classified?

1. Into early and late stages

2. By gender and age

3. Based on severity and location

4. According to treatment response

The correct answer is: Into early and late stages

Acquired syphilis is classified primarily into early and late stages, which is essential for understanding the progression and treatment of the disease. The early stage encompasses primary and secondary syphilis, during which the infection is most infectious and often presents with characteristic symptoms such as sores and rashes. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to the late stage, which can occur years later and may lead to severe complications affecting various organs, including the heart and nervous system. This classification is critical for guiding healthcare professionals in diagnosis and management, as the stage of syphilis influences the treatment approach and the likelihood of transmission. Recognizing these stages can also help in conducting appropriate screenings and follow-ups in at-risk populations. Other classification methods, such as by gender and age, are not relevant to the infection's stages, while severity and location focus more on individual cases rather than a standardized classification. Additionally, treatment response can vary widely among individuals but does not classify syphilis as a disease entity.