Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

What are symptoms of symptomatic trichomoniasis in women?

1. A painful ulcer and weakness

2. An offensive vaginal discharge and vulval itching

3. Pelvic pain and irregular periods

4. Fever and chills

The correct answer is: An offensive vaginal discharge and vulval itching

The symptoms of symptomatic trichomoniasis in women primarily include an offensive vaginal discharge and vulval itching. Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, typically manifests with specific genital symptoms. The vaginal discharge is often characterized as being thin, greenish-yellow, and having a foul odor, which aligns with the description of being offensive. This distinctive discharge is one of the hallmark signs that can help differentiate trichomoniasis from other vaginal infections. Vulval itching is another common symptom due to inflammation and irritation caused by the infection. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman's quality of life and may lead to further complications if left untreated. Other options may present symptoms that can occur due to various conditions, but they do not specifically correlate with trichomoniasis. For instance, painful ulcers and weakness may suggest other infections or systemic issues. Pelvic pain and irregular periods could indicate a range of gynecological conditions, not specifically trichomoniasis. Fever and chills are generally more systemic indicators of infections rather than localized symptoms associated with trichomoniasis. Thus, identifying the combination of offensive discharge and vulval itching is critical for recognizing symptomatic trichomoniasis in women.