Choice C is correct. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by T. pallidum. This insidious infection causes a client to experience a painless chancre in the area where the infection was contracted. That could be the penis, vagina, or rectum. This chancre lesion will eventually disappear and cause constitutional symptoms such as a generalized macular rash and malaise.

Choice A is incorrect. Dysuria is not a manifestation associated with syphilis. This could be a finding associated with chlamydia.

Choice B is incorrect. Syphilis does not cause penile or vaginal discharge. Discharge that is foul smelling may be associated with other infections such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

Choice D is incorrect. Dyspareunia is pain during intercourse commonly associated with pelvic inflammatory disease.

✓ Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection.

✓ Different stages are found in this infection and are classically marked by a painless chancre lesion in the primary stage, a diffuse rash in the secondary stage, and systemic cardiovascular abnormalities in the tertiary stage.

✓ Treatment is through prescribed antibiotics such as doxycycline or penicillin G.

✓ Nursing care aims to educate the client on preventative measures such as using condoms.

✓ This sexually transmitted infection is required to be reported to the public health department.