Final answer:
The statement that accurately reflects a woman's understanding of self-care with genital herpes is acknowledging that herpes is a lifelong condition requiring careful sex practices (Option D). Acyclovir and similar antiviral medications manage symptoms but do not cure herpes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement that helps the nurse determine that a woman with genital herpes understands her self-care related to this infection is D. "I must be careful when I have sex because herpes is a lifelong problem." Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (usually HSV-2, and sometimes HSV-1), and while outbreaks can be managed, there is no cure for the virus itself. Antiviral medications like acyclovir help to reduce or prevent outbreaks and can decrease the risk of transmission, but they do not cure the infection. If a woman is pregnant and has genital herpes, special care, including possible cesarean delivery, may be necessary to prevent transmission to the baby. Moreover, it is possible to transmit the virus even when sores are not present, as the virus can shed from normal-appearing skin.
Understanding that herpes is a lifelong condition and that precautions must be taken during sexual activity to prevent transmission is crucial for ongoing self-care. Option B is incorrect as transmission of herpes can still occur even after sores heal, and option C is incorrect as acyclovir does not cure herpes but only manages the symptoms. Option A is not relevant to the woman's understanding of self-care for her infection.