A client whose VDRL test was positive asks the nurse if he has syphilis. The nurse's best response is
A) "A blood culture is necessary to make the diagnosis."
B) "A positive VDRL indicates syphilis."
C) "The FTA-ABS test will need to be done."
D) "This study is specific for gonorrhea."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Venereal Disease Research Laboratories (VDRL) test may be false-positive if performed during the early stages of several common viral illnesses. The fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) serologic test is more specific because it measures antibodies specific to Treponema pallidum. FTA-ABS is used when VDRL is positive but the diagnosis of syphilis is still uncertain. Blood cultures are not used to diagnose syphilis, and the VDRL is not used to test for gonorrhea.

A Client Whose VDRL Test Was Positive Asks the Nurse