Question

A patient who is diagnosed with genital herpes is taking topical acyclovir. The nurse will provide which teaching for this patient? (Select all that apply.)

Select one or more:
a. "Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine."
b. "You will have to practice abstinence when these lesions are active."
c. "If your partner develops these lesions, then he can also use the medication."
d. "Use a clean glove when applying this ointment."
e. "Apply this ointment until the lesion stops hurting."

Answer 1

The nurse will provide teaching for a patient with genital herpes taking topical acyclovir regarding hygiene, abstinence, and partner treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse will provide the following teaching for a patient diagnosed with genital herpes who is taking topical acyclovir:

• Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine. This helps prevent the spread of the virus to other parts of the body or to other people.
• Practice abstinence when these lesions are active. Genital herpes is highly contagious during active outbreaks, so it's important to avoid sexual contact to prevent transmission.
• If your partner develops these lesions, then he can also use the medication. Using the medication can help reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak for both partners.
• Use a clean glove when applying this ointment.

It's important to follow these instructions to effectively manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.