FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

Which disorder of the vulva is most likely to present with severe burning during urination, fever, and shallow ulcers?

1. Genital herpes

2. Condylomata acuminata

3. Syphilis

4. Vulvodynia

The correct answer is: Genital herpes

Genital herpes is characterized by painful vesicular lesions that can develop into shallow ulcers, particularly on the vulva. This disorder often presents with classic symptoms, including severe burning sensation during urination, which occurs due to the inflamed tissues and lesions adjacent to the urethra. Fever is also a common systemic symptom that can accompany the initial outbreak of genital herpes, as it is a viral infection and the body mounts an immune response. The shallow ulcers associated with genital herpes are a result of the herpes simplex virus, which not only affects the skin but can also lead to secondary infections if the lesions are traumatized or become exudative. In contrast, condylomata acuminata, primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), typically presents as warty growths and is not associated with burning urination or fever. Syphilis can cause ulcerative lesions known as chancres, but fever and burning urination are not hallmark symptoms of the initial stages. Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition without visible lesions and does not lead to fever or sores. Thus, the symptoms described align most closely with the presentation of genital herpes.