The labor nurse is admitting a patient in active labor who has a history of genital herpes. The patient reports a recent outbreak, and the nurse verifies lesions on the perineum.
What action should the nurse take in anticipating the plan of care for this patient?

Choice A (Prepare for a vaginal delivery) is incorrect. Vaginal delivery is generally not  recommended for women with active genital herpes lesions present during labor due to the  high risk of transmitting the virus to the newborn. This risk is especially high when the mother  experiences a primary infection (first outbreak) during the third trimester or has visible  lesions at the time of delivery.
Choice B (Administer antiviral medication) is partially correct. While antiviral medications can  be helpful in managing and potentially shortening outbreaks, they alone are not enough to  prevent transmission during delivery. Antiviral medication can be used in combination with  cesarean delivery to further reduce the risk of transmission. 
Choice C (Prepare for a cesarean delivery) is correct. A cesarean delivery is the preferred  method of delivery for women with active genital herpes lesions present during labor because  it significantly reduces the risk of the virus being transmitted to the newborn. This risk can be  as high as 50% during vaginal delivery with active lesions, while the risk with cesarean  delivery is significantly lower, typically around 1% or less. 
Choice D (Discharge the patient) is incorrect. Discharging a patient in active labor with active  genital herpes lesions is not a safe or appropriate course of action. The patient needs to be  carefully monitored and managed in a healthcare setting to minimize the risk of transmission  to the newborn and ensure the safety of both mother and baby.