Page 710 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Stages of Syphilis

Primary Stage

▪ Most infectious stage
▪ Appearance of ulcerative, painless lesions produced by spirochetes at
point of entry into the body

Secondary Stage

▪ Highly infectious stage
▪ Appearance of lesions about 6 weeks to 6 months after primary stage;
located anywhere on the skin and mucous membranes
▪ Generalized lymphadenopathy

Tertiary Stage

▪ Entrance of spirochetes into internal organs, causing permanent
damage; symptoms occur 10 to 30 years after untreated primary
lesion
▪ Invasion of central nervous system, causing meningitis, ataxia,
general paresis, and progressive mental deterioration
▪ Deleterious effects on aortic valve and aorta

Table 22-3

Risk Factors and Management of Additional Complications During
Pregnancy

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