AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common sign of gonorrhea?

1. Lower abdominal pain

2. Pus from the penis or vagina

3. Painless sores on the body

4. Non-itchy rash

The correct answer is: Pus from the penis or vagina

Pus from the penis or vagina is a common sign of gonorrhea, which is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This symptom arises due to the body's inflammatory response to the infection, leading to exudate formation. In men, this discharge is typically noticeable and may be accompanied by symptoms such as pain during urination and swelling. In women, the discharge might not be as obvious but can still occur, often contributing to misdiagnosis or underreporting of the infection. Other symptoms of gonorrhea can include lower abdominal pain, but the presence of pus is more specific and indicative of the infection itself. Painless sores on the body and non-itchy rashes are associated with different conditions and are not typical signs of gonorrhea. Overall, a purulent discharge serves as a strong clinical indicator of gonorrhea and is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.