A nurse is caring for a client who has burn injuries covering their upper body and is concerned about their altered appearance. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A Reason:

Expressive aphasia, also known as Broca’s aphasia, is a common symptom of a left-hemisphere stroke. This condition affects the person’s ability to produce speech, although their comprehension may remain intact. The left hemisphere of the brain is typically responsible for language and speech functions, so damage to this area often results in expressive aphasia.

Choice B Reason:

Poor impulse control is more commonly associated with right-hemisphere strokes. The right hemisphere is involved in controlling behavior and emotions, so damage to this area can lead to impulsivity and poor judgment.

Choice C Reason:

Left hemiparesis, or weakness on the left side of the body, is typically a result of a right-hemisphere stroke. Strokes affect the opposite side of the body from the hemisphere where the stroke occurred. Therefore, a left-hemisphere stroke would more likely cause right-sided weakness or paralysis.

Choice D Reason:

Disorientation to place can occur with strokes affecting either hemisphere, but it is not a specific hallmark of left-hemisphere strokes. Cognitive impairments such as disorientation are more generalized and can result from various types of brain injuries.

Choice A Reason

“You are not contagious when lesions are healed.” This statement is incorrect. Genital herpes can still be contagious even when there are no visible lesions. The virus can be shed from the skin and transmitted to others even in the absence of symptoms.

Choice B Reason

“This infection is spread through the air.” This statement is incorrect. Genital herpes is not spread through the air. It is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, particularly during sexual activity.

Choice C Reason

“Stress can activate an outbreak.” This statement is correct. Stress is a known trigger for reactivation of the herpes simplex virus, leading to outbreaks of genital herpes. Other triggers can include illness, fatigue, and immune suppression.

Choice D Reason

“Antiviral drugs will cure the infection.” This statement is incorrect. While antiviral drugs can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, they do not cure the infection. The herpes simplex virus remains in the body and can reactivate.