A male client diagnosed with gonorrhea presents with which symptom likely to prompt medical attention?

• A. Foul-smelling discharge from the penis
• B. Dysuria
• C. Testicular swelling
• D. Nocturnal emissions

Answer: (A)

Gonorrheal infection in men most often presents with a urethral infection that leads to a purulent, sometimes foul-smelling penile discharge. This discharge is a direct marker of active infection in the urethra and is what people typically notice and seek care for, making it the strongest prompt for medical attention. While painful urination can accompany gonorrhea, it is less specific and can occur with many other conditions. Nocturnal emissions are normal and not related to the infection, and testicular swelling can occur with complications like epididymitis but isn’t the typical presenting sign of uncomplicated gonorrhea. So the presence of foul, purulent penile discharge best signals a gonorrheal infection requiring evaluation and treatment.