What finding should a nurse expect when collecting data from a client diagnosed with genital herpes?

In a client diagnosed with genital herpes, the expected finding of painful erythematous vesicles is characteristic of this viral infection. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which leads to the development of small, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) in the genital region. These vesicles are often accompanied by redness and tenderness, causing significant discomfort and pain for the patient during an outbreak.

The painful nature of these lesions, along with their appearance, helps in differentiating genital herpes from other conditions that may present with sores in the area, such as syphilis or candidiasis. The inflammatory response and the location of these vesicles are key indicators of an active herpes simplex virus infection.

Other findings listed in the options do not align with the typical presentation of genital herpes. For instance, painless sores may suggest other sexually transmitted infections, dry skin does not represent the vesicular nature of herpes, and while bleeding during urination can occur in various conditions, it is not a primary symptom associated with genital herpes. Thus, the presence of painful erythematous vesicles is the defining symptom indicative of this diagnosis.