Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections ( 15 Questions)
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.