A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has genital herpes.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A.
“You will no longer be infectious once you have completed a course of antibiotics.”
B.
“You should increase fluid intake to relieve dysuria.”
C.
“You should have the lesions drained as they appear.”
D.
“You should wear nylon underwear until the lesions have healed.”
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. “You should increase fluid intake to relieve dysuria.”
Explanation:
Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is a chronic condition that can lead to painful lesions and dysuria (painful urination) during outbreaks. It’s essential for nursing care to focus on symptom management and education about the condition.
Option A states that “You will no longer be infectious once you have completed a course of antibiotics.” This is incorrect because genital herpes is a viral infection, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Patients remain infectious even when asymptomatic and must be educated on safe practices to reduce transmission risk.
Option C, “You should have the lesions drained as they appear,” is also incorrect. Draining lesions is not a standard practice for managing genital herpes. In fact, doing so could lead to further infection or complications. The lesions typically heal on their own, and patients should be instructed to avoid manipulation of the lesions.
Option D, “You should wear nylon underwear until the lesions have healed,” is misleading. While it’s important to wear breathable fabrics, such as cotton, to promote airflow and reduce irritation, nylon can trap moisture and heat, worsening symptoms. Patients should be advised to wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear during outbreaks.
Option B is the most appropriate advice. Increasing fluid intake helps dilute urine, which can alleviate the burning sensation associated with dysuria. Staying well-hydrated can also support overall health, particularly during an outbreak when the body is under stress from the viral infection. Moreover, fluids can help flush out the urinary tract, potentially reducing the risk of urinary tract infections, which can occur alongside genital herpes outbreaks.
In summary, effective teaching for clients with genital herpes should focus on symptom management strategies, safe sexual practices, and the understanding that the virus remains in the body, making lifelong management and education critical.