FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What is a key feature of the syphilitic chancre?

1. It is a painful sore.

2. It forms quickly after exposure.

3. Its base is clean, red, smooth, and glistening.

4. It heals within a few days.

The correct answer is: Its base is clean, red, smooth, and glistening.

A syphilitic chancre is characterized by a base that is clean, red, smooth, and glistening. This distinct appearance is a hallmark of the primary stage of syphilis. The chancre typically develops at the site of the syphilis bacteria's entry into the body, and its appearance can be quite diagnostic for healthcare providers. The clean and smooth nature of the chancre can sometimes mislead individuals into thinking it is not serious, as it often does not present with accompanying symptoms like significant pain or discomfort, which can differentiate it from other types of sores or lesions. Understanding this characteristic helps in accurately diagnosing syphilis and initiating appropriate management. While other features may exist regarding the progression and healing of the chancre, the key defining characteristic of its base being clean, red, smooth, and glistening provides clear insight into recognizing this condition during an assessment.