Question

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with herpes simplex virus (HSV) who has just been prescribed acyclovir. The nurse explains that which statement is true about treatment with this medication?

A) The medication can only prevent future outbreaks.
B) Acyclovir is primarily used for pain relief in HSV.
C) The medication has no impact on the severity of outbreaks.
D) The medication can help reduce the severity of the outbreak.

Answer 1

The correct statement about treatment with acyclovir for herpes simplex virus (HSV) is that the medication can help reduce the severity of the outbreak, not just prevent future outbreaks or relieve pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should explain that the correct statement about treatment with acyclovir for a client diagnosed with herpes simplex virus (HSV) is D) The medication can help reduce the severity of the outbreak. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that, while not curative, is effective in managing symptoms of HSV by reducing the number and duration of episodes of active viral disease. It works by interfering with viral DNA replication, which limits the severity and length of herpes outbreaks and helps manage the formation of painful skin lesions associated with the virus.

While acyclovir can also be taken as a prophylaxis to prevent future outbreaks, it is not used primarily for pain relief. The medication certainly does have an impact on the severity and course of HSV outbreaks. Moreover, it has been shown to lessen the risk of transmission when taken appropriately. It is important to note that the virus remains dormant in the nervous tissue, which means that symptoms may reappear if the medication is discontinued. Hence, acyclovir is a beneficial treatment option for those suffering from HSV infections to control outbreaks and lower transmission risks.