Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Practice Test – Comprehensive Exam Prep

Early syphilis is characterized by three distinct stages: primary, secondary, and early latent stages.

In the primary stage, the infection typically presents with the appearance of a painless ulcer, known as a chancre, at the site of infection. This is an important indicator as it is the first visible sign of syphilis.

The secondary stage follows, which is marked by systemic symptoms, including skin rashes, mucous membrane lesions known as mucous membrane pemphigoid, and flu-like symptoms. This stage signifies a dissemination of the bacterium throughout the body.

The early latent stage occurs after the secondary stage when the patient is asymptomatic but still positive for syphilis. This stage can last for a long time and is marked by the absence of signs or symptoms of the disease, but there is still a risk of transmission to others.

The other choices list stages that are either not part of early syphilis or represent later stages of the infection. Therefore, the inclusion of primary, secondary, and early latent stages accurately captures the phases before the infection progresses to late latent or tertiary syphilis, making this the correct answer.