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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min might marginally increase fetal oxygenation, but it does not address the primary issue of hypotension causing decreased placental perfusion. The fundamental problem is reduced blood flow to the placenta, necessitating interventions that increase maternal circulating volume and blood pressure to improve perfusion.
Choice B rationale
Administering a lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus directly addresses hypotension by expanding the maternal intravascular volume. This increased circulating volume raises blood pressure, thereby improving placental perfusion and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic solution, effective for rapid volume expansion.
Choice C rationale
Placing the client in a knee-chest position is typically used to alleviate cord compression or prolapse by shifting the fetus, not for treating hypotension. This position can actually worsen hypotension by trapping blood in the lower extremities and reducing venous return to the heart, further compromising placental blood flow.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the client's blood pressure every 30 minutes is a crucial assessment but is not an immediate intervention for acute hypotension with decreased placental perfusion. While ongoing monitoring is essential, immediate actions are required to correct the underlying cause of hypotension and restore adequate blood flow to the placenta.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Immediately bathing a newborn with herpes simplex virus is generally discouraged. While it might seem intuitive for infection control, vigorous bathing could theoretically disrupt skin integrity and potentially spread the virus to other areas of the body or mucous membranes, exacerbating the infection.
Choice B rationale
Initiating contact precautions is essential for a newborn with herpes simplex virus. This highly contagious viral infection requires strict measures to prevent transmission to other vulnerable neonates and healthcare providers. Contact precautions involve gown and glove use, limiting direct contact with the newborn or contaminated surfaces.
Choice C rationale
Administering ampicillin IV is not the appropriate treatment for herpes simplex virus. Ampicillin is an antibiotic effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections like herpes simplex. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, are the specific treatment for neonatal herpes simplex virus to inhibit viral replication.
Choice D rationale
Withholding breastfeeding is not typically indicated for a newborn with in utero transmitted herpes simplex virus unless the mother has active lesions on her breasts. The primary concern is direct skin-to-skin transmission if lesions are present. Breast milk itself provides beneficial antibodies and is not a route of transmission for in utero infection.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.