A nurse is providing care to a client with herpes simplex virus infection. Which nursing interventions are appropriate for this client?(Select all that apply)
Administering antibiotics to treat the viral infection.
Encouraging the client to stay hydrated.
Counseling the client for emotional support.
Collecting specimens for viral cultures.
Applying topical creams to alleviate pain and promote healing.
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A rationale:
"Administering antibiotics to treat the viral infection." This choice is incorrect because antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like herpes simplex virus.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not viruses.
Choice B rationale:
"Encouraging the client to stay hydrated." Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and can help manage the symptoms of herpes simplex virus infection.
It helps prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate the discomfort associated with the condition.
Choice C rationale:
"Counseling the client for emotional support." Emotional support is crucial for clients dealing with herpes simplex virus infection, as it can be emotionally distressing.
Counseling can help clients cope with the psychological impact of the diagnosis and reduce stress.
Choice D rationale:
"Collecting specimens for viral cultures." Collecting specimens for viral cultures is appropriate for confirming the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infection.
It helps identify the specific strain of the virus and can guide treatment decisions.
Choice E rationale:
"Applying topical creams to alleviate pain and promote healing." While applying topical creams can help alleviate pain and promote healing of lesions caused by herpes simplex virus infection, it does not involve nursing interventions.
It is typically part of the treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"HSV-2 is mainly transmitted through exposure to infected genital secretions." This statement is correct.
HSV-2 is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected genital secretions, including sexual contact.
Choice B rationale:
"HSV-2 is commonly transmitted through oral-to-oral contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils." This statement is incorrect.
HSV-2 is not commonly transmitted through oral-to-oral contact.
It is primarily associated with genital infections and is spread through sexual contact.
Choice C rationale:
"HSV-2 transmission is primarily through blood transfusions." This statement is incorrect.
HSV-2 transmission is not primarily through blood transfusions.
Sexual contact is the main mode of transmission for HSV-2.
Choice D rationale:
"HSV-2 transmission is exclusively through respiratory droplets." This statement is incorrect.
HSV-2 transmission is not exclusively through respiratory droplets.
It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and exposure to infected genital secretions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse's statement, "You should avoid direct contact with active lesions or body fluids of infected individuals," is the most appropriate in educating the patient about preventing HSV transmission.
This is because HSV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with active lesions or infected body fluids, such as saliva or genital secretions.
By avoiding such contact, the risk of transmission can be significantly reduced.
This advice aligns with standard recommendations for preventing HSV transmission, which emphasize the importance of practicing safe sex and avoiding contact during active outbreaks.
Choice B rationale:
The statement, "Using a vaccine is the most effective way to prevent HSV infections," is not accurate.
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there was no widely available vaccine for the prevention of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections.
While research on vaccines was ongoing, no vaccine had been approved for general use.
Therefore, this statement is not the most appropriate choice for educating the patient about HSV prevention.
Choice C rationale:
The statement, "Stress has no impact on the risk of HSV transmission," is not entirely accurate.
While stress itself does not directly cause HSV transmission, it can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to control and suppress the virus.
Stress reduction and management are important for overall health, and stress reduction strategies can help prevent outbreaks or reduce their frequency.
However, it should be clarified that stress alone is not a direct cause of transmission.
Choice D rationale:
The statement, "You can safely engage in sexual activity without using condoms if lesions are not present," is not appropriate advice.
Even when lesions are not visible, HSV can still be transmitted through asymptomatic viral shedding, where the virus is present on the skin or mucous membranes without causing noticeable symptoms.
Using condoms consistently and correctly is an important part of preventing HSV transmission during sexual activity.
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