A nurse is providing teaching with an antepartum client who has a new diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Which of the following information should the nurse include?
HSV-2 is not harmful to a developing fetus.
Transmission to the newborn is higher if lesions are present at birth.
Wear tight-fitting undergarments when lesions are present.
Taking antiviral medications will cure the condition.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) can be harmful to a developing fetus and newborn. While primary infection during the first trimester can rarely lead to congenital anomalies, the most significant risk is neonatal herpes, which occurs when the newborn is exposed to the virus during passage through the birth canal if active lesions are present. Neonatal herpes can cause severe, life-threatening complications.
Choice B rationale
Transmission of HSV-2 to the newborn is significantly higher if active genital lesions are present at the time of vaginal birth. The virus can be shed from these lesions and infect the infant as they pass through the birth canal. Therefore, a Cesarean section is typically recommended if active lesions are present at the onset of labor.
Choice C rationale
Wearing tight-fitting undergarments can increase moisture and friction, potentially irritating existing lesions and hindering healing. Loose-fitting cotton undergarments are generally recommended to allow air circulation and reduce irritation, promoting a more favorable environment for lesion resolution and comfort.
Choice D rationale
Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, can help manage genital herpes by reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of outbreaks. They work by inhibiting viral replication. However, these medications do not cure the condition; HSV-2 remains a lifelong viral infection.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Vacuum-assisted delivery increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage due to potential trauma to the birth canal and uterine atony caused by prolonged pressure or rapid extraction. The vacuum device can bruise the cervix, vagina, or perineum, leading to lacerations that bleed excessively. It can also overstretch uterine muscles, impairing their ability to contract effectively after birth.
Choice B rationale
A newborn weight of 2.948 kg (6 lb 8 oz) is within the normal weight range for a full-term infant. This weight does not typically pose an increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Larger infants (macrosomia, generally > 4 kg) are associated with higher risks due to increased uterine stretching and potential for prolonged labor or birth trauma.
Choice C rationale
Labor induction with oxytocin significantly increases the risk for postpartum hemorrhage, particularly due to uterine atony. Prolonged oxytocin administration can lead to desensitization of myometrial receptors, reducing the uterus's ability to contract effectively postpartum. This impaired contractility prevents compression of uterine blood vessels, resulting in excessive bleeding.
Choice D rationale
A history of uterine atony is a substantial risk factor for recurrent postpartum hemorrhage. Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, accounting for a majority of cases. A prior history indicates a predisposition for the uterine musculature to fail in contracting adequately after birth, leading to uncontrolled blood loss.
Choice E rationale
A history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection does not directly increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. HPV is a viral infection that primarily affects epithelial cells, often leading to genital warts or cervical dysplasia. It does not inherently alter uterine contractility, coagulation factors, or predispose to abnormal placental implantation, which are direct causes of hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening is typically performed when the newborn is between 24 and 48 hours of age, or just prior to discharge if that occurs earlier. Performing the test too early, such as between 6 and 12 hours, might yield false negative results due to the persistence of transitional circulation.
Choice B rationale
The results of the CCHD screening are typically available immediately, or within a few minutes, as it involves pulse oximetry readings. There is no waiting period of 1 to 2 weeks for the results, allowing for prompt identification and management of potential cardiac defects, preventing delays in care.
Choice C rationale
The CCHD screening specifically compares the oxygen saturation in the newborn's right hand (pre-ductal) and either foot (post-ductal). A significant difference between these two readings can indicate a shunt or obstruction within the heart or great vessels, suggesting a potential critical congenital heart defect.
Choice D rationale
Collecting a blood sample from the newborn's heel is the procedure for the newborn metabolic screening, which screens for various genetic and metabolic disorders, not the critical congenital heart disease screening. The CCHD screening is a non-invasive test performed using pulse oximetry.
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