Question 1

If left untreated, ____ can result in death.

Accepted Answer

Syphilis, if left untreated, can progress to a late stage that can result in damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, or heart, potentially leading to death.

Question 2

Which of the following is true regarding syphilis infection in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

If syphilis is successfully treated before the fourth month of pregnancy, the risk of transmitting the infection to the fetus significantly decreases, and the fetus is likely not to be affected. This is because the bacteria that cause syphilis can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, but early treatment can prevent this transmission and potential complications.

Question 3

Which of the following is a prodromal symptom of herpes?

Accepted Answer

Prodromal symptoms of herpes often include sensations such as itching, tingling, or burning in the area where the blisters will eventually appear. These symptoms occur before the visible signs of the infection, such as blisters or ulcers, making them early indicators of an impending outbreak.

Question 4

All of the following are phases of syphilitic development EXCEPT the:

Accepted Answer

The prodromal phase is not a phase of syphilitic development. Syphilis typically progresses through primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary phases.

Question 5

Possible complications of a herpes infection in women include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Herpes infection does not typically cause liver failure. Cervical cancer risk is associated with HPV (Human Papillomavirus), not herpes. However, herpes can lead to infection of the newborn during delivery and has been shown to increase the risk of HIV acquisition due to the presence of open sores.

Question 6

____ usually manifests as cold sores on the mouth or lips.

Accepted Answer

HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus type 1) is commonly associated with oral herpes, which typically causes cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth or lips.

Question 7

____ is caused by a thin, corkscrew-like bacterium commonly called a spirochete.

Accepted Answer

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which is a type of spirochete, characterized by its thin, corkscrew-like shape.

Question 8

Symptoms of oral herpes can include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Vaginal discharge is not a symptom of oral herpes. Oral herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically presents with symptoms such as sores or blisters on the lips, inside the mouth, and sometimes flu-like symptoms, but not vaginal discharge.

Question 9

Which of the following statements concerning syphilis is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

The incidence of syphilis has not continued to decrease into the 21st century; rather, it has seen a resurgence in many areas due to various factors, including reduced awareness, decreased use of protection, and changes in sexual behavior.

Question 10

The symptoms of NGU in males are similar to those of:

Accepted Answer

NGU, or non-gonococcal urethritis, shares similar symptoms with gonorrhea, such as urethral discharge and discomfort during urination, but is caused by different pathogens.

Question 11

Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement regarding the treatment of herpes?

Accepted Answer

Herpes, both oral and genital, is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), and there is currently no cure for it. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms, reducing the frequency of outbreaks, and preventing transmission to others. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, are commonly used to treat outbreaks and, in some cases, for suppression to reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Question 12

Benito's doctor has just diagnosed Benito with tertiary syphilis. Benito:

Accepted Answer

Tertiary syphilis is a serious stage of the disease that can cause severe health problems and is treatable with antibiotics, such as penicillin, even at this late stage.

Question 13

Joe experiences sensations of itching, throbbing, and burning on his penis and scrotum. A few days later, painful, red bumps appear in the same area. The sensations Joe experienced before the bumps appeared are known as:

Accepted Answer

Prodromal symptoms of herpes can include sensations like itching, throbbing, and burning in the area where lesions eventually appear. These symptoms precede the actual outbreaks of herpes sores or blisters.

Question 14

The second stage of syphilis is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

The second stage of syphilis is often marked by a skin rash and flu-like symptoms, distinguishing it from other stages that might present differently, such as the primary stage with a single sore or the latent stage with no symptoms.

Question 15

Henry notices lesions on his scrotum and penis. They do not hurt, but Henry decides to visit his doctor, who diagnoses him with _______ syphilis.

Accepted Answer

Primary syphilis is characterized by the presence of a painless ulcer or chancre at the site of infection, which in this case would be the lesions on the scrotum and penis.

Question 16

Which of the following statements regarding NGU is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

NGU (nongonococcal urethritis) can have consequences in men if left untreated, including complications such as epididymitis or prostatitis. Therefore, the statement that there are no known consequences of NGU if left untreated in men is false.

Question 17

In women, papules due to genital herpes most commonly appear in the:

Accepted Answer

Genital herpes lesions, including papules, most commonly appear on the external genitalia, such as the labia in women. This is because the virus tends to affect skin and mucosal surfaces that are exposed during sexual contact.

Question 18

Which of the following statements concerning herpes is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Oral herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), is actually more common than genital herpes, which is primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 can affect both the oral and genital areas, but it is most commonly associated with cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth.

Question 19

All of the following are mentioned as factors that may trigger reactivation of the herpes virus EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A diet high in vitamins and nutrients is not mentioned as a factor that may trigger reactivation of the herpes virus; instead, a healthy diet is generally considered beneficial for maintaining a strong immune system, which can help in managing and preventing outbreaks. Factors like emotional stress, menstruation, and being overtired are known triggers that can weaken the immune system or alter hormone levels, potentially leading to a reactivation of the virus.

Question 20

Which one is NOT true concerning pregnant women with genital herpes and their children?

Accepted Answer

Perinatal transmission of herpes to a newborn can cause severe symptoms, including neurological damage, and can be potentially life-threatening, not just mild symptoms.

Quiz 15: Sexually Transmitted Infections