1. What is the cause of syphilis?
A. Bacterial infection
B. Viral infection
C. Vitamin deficiency
D. Autoimmune condition
The answer is a, bacterial infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium
Treponema pallidum.
2. As the nurse, you are providing education to a patient on how syphilis is transmitted. Which statement below
INCORRECT regarding the transmission of syphilis.
A. Syphilis is transmitted sexually via direct contact with chancres (sores), which appear on the genitals,
mouth, anus, or mucous membranes.
B. Syphilis is transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy if there is direct contact with chancres.
C. The patient should inform any sexual partners so they can be tested and treated (if necessary).
D. It is safe to resume sexual activity as soon as treatment begins.
The incorrect option is D. Sexual activity should cease until treatment is complete, the infection has completely
cleared, and there are no more signs and symptoms.
3. A patient was diagnosed with syphilis approximately 3 weeks after engaging in sexual activity. They have a
painless chancre on their genital region. What stage of syphilis is consistent with these findings?
A. Primary stage syphilis
B. Secondary stage syphilis
C. Latent state syphilis
D. Tertiary state syphilis
The answer is A, primary stage syphilis. This stage typically begins around 3 weeks after initial exposure to an
infected chancre of a person with syphilis. It can last up to 6 weeks and is highly contagious during this stage.
The seconday stage occurs 6-12 weeks after the primary stage. The latent state can last for years with no
symptoms, and the tertiary stage usually occurs 10-30 years after the initial infection.
4. Which stage of syphilis can last for years with no symptoms but may experience a relapse of symptoms?
A. Primary stage
B. Secondary stage
C. Latent stage
D. Tertiary stage
The answer is C, latent stage. This stage can last for years with no symptoms. According to the CDC, it is usual
not contagious. However, relapse can occur during this stage and treatment should be completed before
engaging in sexual activity. It can also be transmitted to the unborn baby via the blood stream during this stage.
A. Bacterial infection
B. Viral infection
C. Vitamin deficiency
D. Autoimmune condition
The answer is a, bacterial infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium
Treponema pallidum.
2. As the nurse, you are providing education to a patient on how syphilis is transmitted. Which statement below
INCORRECT regarding the transmission of syphilis.
A. Syphilis is transmitted sexually via direct contact with chancres (sores), which appear on the genitals,
mouth, anus, or mucous membranes.
B. Syphilis is transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy if there is direct contact with chancres.
C. The patient should inform any sexual partners so they can be tested and treated (if necessary).
D. It is safe to resume sexual activity as soon as treatment begins.
The incorrect option is D. Sexual activity should cease until treatment is complete, the infection has completely
cleared, and there are no more signs and symptoms.
3. A patient was diagnosed with syphilis approximately 3 weeks after engaging in sexual activity. They have a
painless chancre on their genital region. What stage of syphilis is consistent with these findings?
A. Primary stage syphilis
B. Secondary stage syphilis
C. Latent state syphilis
D. Tertiary state syphilis
The answer is A, primary stage syphilis. This stage typically begins around 3 weeks after initial exposure to an
infected chancre of a person with syphilis. It can last up to 6 weeks and is highly contagious during this stage.
The seconday stage occurs 6-12 weeks after the primary stage. The latent state can last for years with no
symptoms, and the tertiary stage usually occurs 10-30 years after the initial infection.
4. Which stage of syphilis can last for years with no symptoms but may experience a relapse of symptoms?
A. Primary stage
B. Secondary stage
C. Latent stage
D. Tertiary stage
The answer is C, latent stage. This stage can last for years with no symptoms. According to the CDC, it is usual
not contagious. However, relapse can occur during this stage and treatment should be completed before
engaging in sexual activity. It can also be transmitted to the unborn baby via the blood stream during this stage.
