FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What is the characteristic appearance of genital herpes lesions?

1. Small scattered or grouped vesicles

2. Painless ulcerations with raised borders

3. Flat gray-blue spots

4. Light tan or light brown oval spots

The correct answer is: Small scattered or grouped vesicles

The characteristic appearance of genital herpes lesions is small scattered or grouped vesicles. These vesicles are fluid-filled blisters that may break open, leading to painful ulcerations. The clustered nature of these lesions is a distinguishing factor for genital herpes, as they often appear in localized areas and can be itchy or painful. The other options describe lesions that are typically associated with different conditions. Painless ulcerations with raised borders might refer to syphilis or certain other skin infections. Flat gray-blue spots can be characteristic of condyloma acuminata, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Light tan or light brown oval spots are often associated with other skin conditions, possibly even benign lesions like seborrheic keratosis or nevi, but they are not indicative of genital herpes. Understanding these distinctions helps to accurately identify and diagnose the various sexually transmitted infections based on their lesion presentations.