An African-American female with blisters on the vagina is being treated with acyclovir (Zovirax) for genital herpes. She is angry at her partner for transmitting the infection. Which action by the nurse is best?
a. Encourage the client to engage in sexual activity since she is on medication.
b. Be sensitive to the client's feelings and refer her to a support group.
c. Reinforce that the disease can no longer be spread to other partners.
d. Reassure the client that sexual activity will not be painful while on acyclovir.
ANS: B
The nurse needs to be sensitive and supportive of the client since infected clients may feel angry, lonely, and isolated. Allow the client to verbalize her feelings and refer her to a local support group, such as the National Herpes Resource Center. Sexual activity should not occur while the lesions are present because of discomfort and viral transmission. Genital herpes is an incurable viral disease, and the antiviral drugs minimize the infection but do not cure it. Condoms should be used to avoid the spread of the disease.
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