A nurse is providing education to a patient diagnosed with herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate in educating the patient about preventing HSV transmission?
"Using a vaccine is the most effective way to prevent HSV infections.".
"Stress has no impact on the risk of HSV transmission.".
"You can safely engage in sexual activity without using condoms if lesions are not present.".
"You can safely engage in sexual activity without using condoms if lesions are not present.".
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I should apply topical creams to the affected areas for pain relief." While topical creams can provide pain relief for the symptoms of herpes simplex virus infection, they do not address the root cause of the infection.
Antiviral medications are essential to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and to prevent viral shedding and transmission.
Choice B rationale:
"I can skip doses of the antiviral medication if I start feeling better." This statement is incorrect.
Skipping doses of antiviral medication can lead to the virus becoming resistant to the medication and may result in a recurrence of symptoms.
It is crucial for the client to take the antiviral medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale:
"I should take my antiviral medication as prescribed to reduce symptoms." This statement indicates a correct understanding of the treatment for herpes simplex virus infection.
It emphasizes the importance of adherence to the prescribed antiviral medication regimen to manage and reduce symptoms effectively.
Choice D rationale:
"I can rely on hydration alone to manage my symptoms." Hydration is essential for overall health, but it cannot replace antiviral medication in the management of herpes simplex virus infection.
Antiviral medications are specific treatments that target the virus, while hydration addresses general well-being.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"HSV-1 is primarily transmitted through sexual contact." This statement is incorrect.
While HSV-1 can be transmitted through sexual contact, it is not primarily transmitted in this way.
HSV-1 is more commonly associated with oral-to-oral contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils.
Choice B rationale:
"HSV-1 is commonly transmitted through oral-to-oral contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils." This statement is correct.
HSV-1 is commonly transmitted through oral-to-oral contact.
It can be spread through activities like kissing or sharing utensils that come into contact with the oral mucosa, where the virus resides.
Choice C rationale:
"HSV-1 is mainly transmitted through exposure to infected genital secretions." This statement is incorrect.
HSV-1 is primarily associated with oral infections and is not typically transmitted through exposure to infected genital secretions.
Choice D rationale:
"HSV-1 transmission is exclusively through blood transfusions." This statement is incorrect.
HSV-1 transmission is not exclusively through blood transfusions.
While it is possible to transmit HSV-1 through blood transfusions in rare cases, it is not the primary mode of transmission.
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