What symptom would a nurse identify that indicates a genital herpes diagnosis during an examination?

A diagnosis of genital herpes is often associated with the presence of painful blisters or sores. These blisters typically appear in and around the genital area, including the skin surrounding the vagina. They may be filled with fluid and can rupture, leading to painful ulcerations.

The identification of blisters specifically aligns with the symptoms of genital herpes, as the herpes simplex virus causes these characteristic lesions. Painful blisters can also be accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as fever or lymphadenopathy, particularly during the primary outbreak.

While the presence of sores in the vagina or a rash near the vagina could potentially suggest different conditions, these descriptions do not capture the unique blistering nature directly associated with genital herpes. Similarly, a normal discharge does not indicate genital herpes, as this condition typically presents with specific, visible lesions rather than changes in discharge. Thus, the symptom of blisters is crucial in guiding the diagnosis of genital herpes.