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A client with genital herpes asks the nurse about what to expect with the infection. which response by the nurse is appropriate?

A) "You'll need to abstain from sexual activity for the rest of your life."
B) "Genital herpes is curable with the right treatment."
C) "You may experience recurrent outbreaks throughout your life."
D) "Genital herpes doesn't pose any risks to your sexual partners."

1 Answer

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Final answer:

In response to a client with genital herpes, a nurse should explain that the client may experience recurrent outbreaks throughout their life, as there is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can manage symptoms. Therefore, the correct option is c.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate response to a client with genital herpes regarding what to expect with the infection is: C) "You may experience recurrent outbreaks throughout your life." Genital herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2 (HSV-1 or HSV-2), is a sexually transmitted infection that is not curable, but its symptoms can be managed. While antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir can prevent or shorten outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission, there is no current vaccine or cure.

The virus can remain in a state of latency in the nervous system for long periods and can reactivate under certain conditions, such as stress or illness, causing recurrent outbreaks of blisters on the genitals. It is important to understand that the infection poses risks to sexual partners, and it is recommended to abstain from sexual activity during outbreaks and use protective measures like condoms to reduce the risk of transmission.

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