Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections ( 15 Questions)
A client with genital herpes presents with painful genital ulcers and flu-like symptoms. The nurse is performing an assessment.
What should be the nurse's priority action in this situation?
"Administering topical treatments to the genital ulcers." Administering topical treatments is essential for symptom management in genital herpes, but it is not the priority action in this situation.
The priority should be to assess and collect specimens for testing to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.
"Collecting specimens for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing." This is the correct answer because collecting specimens for PCR testing is the priority action when a client presents with painful genital ulcers and flu-like symptoms.
PCR testing can confirm the presence of herpes simplex virus and guide treatment decisions.
"Obtaining a detailed sexual history from the client." While obtaining a sexual history is an important part of assessing and managing sexually transmitted infections, it is not the immediate priority in this situation.
Confirming the diagnosis through testing takes precedence.
"Focusing on the client's emotional well-being." Emotional well-being is essential, but it is not the priority action when a client presents with symptoms suggestive of genital herpes.
Choice A rationale:
"Administering topical treatments to the genital ulcers." Administering topical treatments is essential for symptom management in genital herpes, but it is not the priority action in this situation.
The priority should be to assess and collect specimens for testing to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.
Choice B rationale:
"Collecting specimens for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing." This is the correct answer because collecting specimens for PCR testing is the priority action when a client presents with painful genital ulcers and flu-like symptoms.
PCR testing can confirm the presence of herpes simplex virus and guide treatment decisions.
Choice C rationale:
"Obtaining a detailed sexual history from the client." While obtaining a sexual history is an important part of assessing and managing sexually transmitted infections, it is not the immediate priority in this situation.
Confirming the diagnosis through testing takes precedence.
Choice D rationale:
"Focusing on the client's emotional well-being." Emotional well-being is essential, but it is not the priority action when a client presents with symptoms suggestive of genital herpes.