Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections ( 15 Questions)
A client diagnosed with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection asks the nurse about the complications associated with the condition.
Which complication should the nurse prioritize in explaining to the client?
The nurse should prioritize explaining the complication of recurrent outbreaks to the client.
Recurrent outbreaks of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection are a common and distressing complication.
These outbreaks involve the reactivation of the virus, leading to the return of painful lesions and symptoms.
Recurrent outbreaks can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life and may require ongoing management with antiviral medications.
Bacterial skin infections are not the primary complication associated with HSV infection.
While secondary bacterial infections can occur if HSV lesions become superinfected, they are not the most critical complication to prioritize when educating the client.
Allergic reactions to antiviral medications are a potential complication, but they are relatively rare.
While it is important to inform the client about potential side effects and allergic reactions, recurrent outbreaks are a more common and immediate concern in the context of HSV infection.
Gastrointestinal bleeding is not a typical complication of HSV infection.
HSV primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal bleeding is not directly related to the virus.
Therefore, it is not the complication that should be prioritized in explaining to the client.
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should prioritize explaining the complication of recurrent outbreaks to the client.
Recurrent outbreaks of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection are a common and distressing complication.
These outbreaks involve the reactivation of the virus, leading to the return of painful lesions and symptoms.
Recurrent outbreaks can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life and may require ongoing management with antiviral medications.
Choice B rationale:
Bacterial skin infections are not the primary complication associated with HSV infection.
While secondary bacterial infections can occur if HSV lesions become superinfected, they are not the most critical complication to prioritize when educating the client.
Choice C rationale:
Allergic reactions to antiviral medications are a potential complication, but they are relatively rare.
While it is important to inform the client about potential side effects and allergic reactions, recurrent outbreaks are a more common and immediate concern in the context of HSV infection.
Choice D rationale:
Gastrointestinal bleeding is not a typical complication of HSV infection.
HSV primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal bleeding is not directly related to the virus.
Therefore, it is not the complication that should be prioritized in explaining to the client.