Syphilis STI Nursing NCLEX Questions

This quiz will test your nursing knowledge on the sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as syphilis.

It’s important that the nurse knows the cause, signs and symptoms, transmission methods, prevention and treatment. Don’t forget to check out the other types of STIs in this series. You may also want to review our syphilis article before taking this quiz, or watch our syphilis NCLEX review video.

Syphilis STI NCLEX Questions

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 is 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 usually 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.
5. If not treated early, syphilis could lead to complications for babies, such as birth deformities or even
   death.
   A. True
   B. False
   The answer is a, true. If not treated early, syphilis can cause complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, death at birth, deafness, blindness, deformities, neurological damage, and more.
6. A patient presents with a full rash over their body, as well as flu-like symptoms. As the nurse, you
   know that these symptoms are most consistent with which stage of syphilis?
   A. Primary stage
   B. Secondary stage
   C. Latent stage
   D. Tertiary stage
   The answer is B, secondary stage. This stage typically occurs at around 6-12 weeks after the initial
   infection. Common symptoms of this stage can include a rash that forms over the body, including the palms of the hand and soles of the feet. Flu-like symptoms can also present, such as body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. During the phase, the person is still contagious and should seek treatment to prevent further progression of the disease.
7. A pregnant woman is diagnosed with syphilis. The patient’s medical history shows an allergy to
   penicillin. Which medication is considered appropriate for this patient, according to the CDC?
   A. Doxycyline
   B. Tetracycline
   C. Penicillin G
   D. None of the above
   The answer is C, penicillin G. Even though this patient has a prior allergy to penicillin, Penicillin G is
   recommended as treatment by the CDC. However, because there is a known allergy, the patient shouldfirst be desensitized and then treated. Tetracycline and doxycycline are not recommended because they may be unsafe for the developing baby.
8. What is the name of the painless ulcer/sores that develop during primary stage syphilis?
   A. Gummas
   B. Tophi
   C. Chancres
   D. Cankers
   The answer is C, chancres (pronounced shankers). These sores are usually painless, round, and can
   transmit the syphilis infection during contact. Gummas are tumor-like growths that can occur in internal organs during later stages of syphilis. Tophi are firm, white/yellow bumps experienced during gout attacks, and cankers are ulcers that are small and usually painful.

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