At 0600 while admitting a woman for a scheduled repeat cesarean section (C-section), the client tells the nurse that she drank a cup of coffee at 0400 because she wanted to avoid getting a headache.
Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale

Genital warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), typically present as small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in the genital area. They do not usually cause pain or vesicular lesions like those described. Genital warts may be flat or cauliflower-like in appearance but are generally distinct from the symptoms described in the question.

Choice B rationale

German measles (rubella) is a viral infection characterized by a red rash, mild fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It is not associated with vesicular lesions on the genital area. The virus primarily affects the respiratory system, and symptoms do not typically include shallow vesicles on the pubis, labia, and perineum.

Choice C rationale

Syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, presents in stages. Primary syphilis manifests as a single sore (chancre), while secondary syphilis involves skin rashes and mucous membrane lesions. Tertiary syphilis can cause severe medical problems. The symptoms described do not align with any syphilis stage but rather suggest a different condition.

Choice D rationale

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes painful, shallow vesicles or ulcers in the genital area. HSV lesions are typically small, fluid-filled blisters that can rupture and form ulcers. The client's symptoms of shallow, small vesicles on her pubis, labia, and perineum are indicative of genital herpes.

Choice A rationale

Obtaining consent for the Hepatitis B vaccine is a necessary step in the newborn's care, but it is not the immediate priority for a newborn exposed to HIV. The focus should be on preventing HIV transmission from mother to child.

Choice B rationale

Collecting a venous specimen for serum glucose level is important for assessing the newborn's metabolic status, but it does not directly address the immediate need to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Choice C rationale

Assessing for the presence of the Moro reflex is part of a routine newborn examination and is important for evaluating the neurological status of the newborn. However, it does not address the immediate priority of HIV prophylaxis.

Choice D rationale

Ensuring that zidovudine is given within 6 hours after birth is critical for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Early administration of antiretroviral medication is essential to prevent viral replication and transmission to the newborn.