Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

What are signs of secondary syphilis?

1. Painless ulcers and fever

2. Skin rash and mucocutaneous lesions

3. Cold sores and swollen glands

4. Chronic fatigue and joint pain

The correct answer is: Skin rash and mucocutaneous lesions

The signs of secondary syphilis primarily include a widespread skin rash and mucocutaneous lesions. During this stage of syphilis, which occurs weeks to months after the initial infection, the bacteria continue to multiply and spread throughout the body. The rash can present as reddish-brown spots and typically appears on the trunk, arms, and legs, often along with lesions in the mucous membranes, such as in the mouth and throat. This stage may also accompany flu-like symptoms, but the defining characteristics are indeed the skin rash and mucocutaneous lesions, which make option B the most accurate choice regarding the symptoms associated with secondary syphilis. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for nursing professionals, as timely identification and treatment can prevent the progression of the disease to its more severe stages, such as tertiary syphilis, which can lead to significant long-term health issues.