What is the conventional treatment for a client diagnosed with syphilis?

The conventional treatment for syphilis involves the use of antibiotics, specifically penicillin. Penicillin is the first-line treatment for syphilis at all stages of the disease, effectively eliminating the bacteria responsible for the infection. The correct option in this context refers to inquiring about a penicillin allergy, as such an allergy would significantly affect treatment decisions.

If the client has a penicillin allergy, alternative antibiotics may be considered, such as doxycycline or tetracycline, but the effectiveness can vary based on the stage of the infection. Therefore, it is vital to assess for any allergy to penicillin before determining the appropriate treatment plan.

In regard to the other options, antiviral medication is not effective against syphilis because it is caused by bacteria, not a virus. Topical treatments are generally not suitable for syphilis, as the condition requires systemic treatment with antibiotics. Lastly, while bed rest and hydration may be supportive measures for many health conditions, they are not specific treatments for syphilis and do not address the underlying infection.