Question

A nurse is reviewing the provider's prescription in the adolescent's medical chart. The nurse is reviewing the provider's prescriptions in the adolescent's medical chart. Complete the following sentence by using the list of options (a, b, c).

"The provider has prescribed acyclovir, indicating the adolescent is likely being treated for _____."

a. Herpes simplex virus
b. Chlamydia
c. Human papillomavirus

Answer 1

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to manage herpes simplex virus infections by reducing outbreak severity and transmission risk, it is not a cure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The provider has prescribed acyclovir, indicating the adolescent is likely being treated for herpes simplex virus. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication developed to treat infections like genital herpes (herpes simplex II), and while it reduces the number and duration of episodes, it is not a cure. The virus remains latent in the nervous tissue and acyclovir helps make symptoms more manageable. It is important to note that while there is no cure for herpes infections, antiviral medications like acyclovir play a crucial role in preventing or shortening outbreaks and lessen the risk of transmission, especially in sensitive periods such as pregnancy.