A pregnant woman with a primary genital infection HSV-2 is seen at the health clinic for prenatal care at 12 weeks. What is the best response by the nurse when the client begins crying and asks how her baby will be affected?
A) "HSV-2 can severely affect your baby. Let's talk about it."
B) "Why did you get pregnant while you had an active infection?"
C) "I'll come back when you are done crying and we can discuss this."
D) "I am sure things will be fine."
D) "I am sure things will be fine."
Explanation: A) By offering to talk with the client about the risks her baby may face, the nurse is acknowledging the client's concerns, providing support, and educating the client about the possible outcomes so that the client can make educated decisions regarding care. Women with primary genital infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2 at the time of birth have a 57% risk for transmitting the virus to the neonate. Although rare, neonatal herpes has a high mortality rate. Infants who survive neurologic or disseminated herpes are severely affected.
B) Asking "why" questions is not therapeutic or supportive and, in this case, projects a tone of disapproval and may make the client defensive.
C) Walking out while the client is crying does not offer support.
D) Telling the client that "things will be fine" are dismissive and may offer false hope.
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