North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by mucopurulent discharge from the cervix?

1. Candidiasis

2. Gonorrheal infection

3. Syphilis

4. Chlamydia

The correct answer is: Gonorrheal infection

The condition characterized by mucopurulent discharge from the cervix is commonly associated with gonorrheal infection. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can lead to inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis). This inflammation often results in a discharge that is thick, yellow, or greenish in color, which is described as mucopurulent because it contains both mucus and pus. In understanding the other conditions, candidiasis typically presents with a thick, white, curd-like discharge and is caused by a fungal infection. Syphilis can cause discharge in its later stages but is more commonly known for its systemic symptoms and sores (chancre) rather than mucopurulent discharge. Chlamydia, while it may also cause cervical inflammation and discharge, typically presents with a more clear or watery discharge rather than the distinct mucopurulent type more specific to gonorrhea. Thus, the identifying characteristic of mucopurulent discharge aligns with the clinical presentation of a gonorrheal infection, making it the correct answer in this context.