A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who is receiving treatment for genital herpes. Which of the following statements by the client indicates the effectiveness of the teaching?

Choice A reason: Applying antibiotic ointment to the lesions is not recommended for the treatment of genital herpes, which is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Antiviral medications are the appropriate treatment for managing herpes outbreaks.

Choice B reason: Natural skin condoms are not effective in preventing the transmission of genital herpes because the virus can pass through the natural membrane. The use of latex or polyurethane condoms is recommended as they are more effective in reducing the risk of transmission.

Choice C reason: Expecting lesions to resolve in 6 weeks may not be accurate as the duration of a herpes outbreak can vary. Most herpes lesions tend to resolve within 2 to 4 weeks. However, the virus remains in the body and can cause recurrent outbreaks.

Choice D reason: The duration of medication for genital herpes depends on whether the treatment is for an initial outbreak, chronic suppression, or episodic therapy. For an initial outbreak, antiviral medication is typically taken for 7 to 10 days. For chronic suppression, medication might be taken daily for an extended period to prevent or reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Choice A reason: Petechiae on the chest are small, red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin and may be associated with various conditions, including infections. However, they are not a common finding in meningitis. Meningitis typically presents with symptoms related to inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Choice B reason: Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not a typical symptom of meningitis. While meningitis can affect various bodily functions, the classic symptoms are fever, headache, and neck stiffness, not changes in heart rate.

Choice C reason: Intermittent headache could be associated with meningitis, but the headaches that accompany meningitis are usually constant and severe due to the inflammation of the meninges. They are not typically described as intermittent.

Choice D reason: Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is a common finding in meningitis. The inflammation of the meninges can lead to an increased sensitivity to light, causing discomfort or pain when the patient is exposed to bright lights. This symptom, along with headache, neck stiffness, and fever, helps to distinguish meningitis from other conditions.