The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with syphilis. The client presents with a widespread, symmetric maculopapular rash on the palms and soles. The nurse understands that the client is in which stage of the infection?
Rationale: The primary stage of syphilis is characterized by a primary lesion, the chancre, that appears 5 to 90 days after infection. Secondary syphilis occurs 6 weeks to 6 months after the chancre appears and is characterized by a widespread, symmetric maculopapular rash on the palms and soles. An early latent infection is one that was acquired in the preceding year. The latent phase is asymptomatic for most individuals and occurs if left untreated.
