What is a characteristic symptom of primary stage syphilis that a newly licensed nurse should be aware of?

A characteristic symptom of primary stage syphilis is the appearance of a chancre lesion, which generally manifests within approximately 21 days after infection, but can occur anytime within 90 days. This lesion is typically painless, round, and firm, and it appears at the site where the syphilis bacterium (Treponema pallidum) entered the body, often the genitals, rectum, or mouth.

Recognizing the presence of a chancre is critical for early diagnosis and treatment, as primary syphilis is often asymptomatic aside from this lesion. If left untreated, the infection can progress to secondary syphilis, which presents with systemic symptoms and more widespread signs, such as rashes.

In contrast, a rash that appears on the palms and soles is a symptom of secondary stage syphilis, not primary. Flu-like symptoms without lesions might occur but are not specific to primary syphilis and are nonspecific. A fever that occurs after 10 days of infection is also not characteristic of the primary stage, as fever can be an effect of various infections but is not a defining feature of the early stage of syphilis. Understanding these details is essential for any nurse working in maternal and newborn health, as timely