Question

Your client has arrived for her appointment and has a 6-mm, slightly elevated encrusted lesion on her lower lip. She says that it has been there for approximately 1 week. You find that she has a history of "cold sores" on her chart. The infectious agent responsible for this infection is the ________.

1) Bacteria
2) Virus
3) Fungus
4) Parasite

Answer 1

The lesion on the client's lower lip is likely due to a virus, specifically Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is responsible for cold sores that are characterized by fluid-filled blisters, are very contagious, and can recur.

Step-by-step explanation:

The infectious agent responsible for the lesion described on the client's lower lip, which is consistent with a history of "cold sores," is a virus. Specifically, these symptoms are typical of an infection caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Cold sores, or fever blisters, are red, fluid-filled blisters that can appear on the lips, mouth, or gums and are highly contagious. The Herpes simplex virus remains in the body even after the sores have healed, with the possibility of reoccurring outbreaks, especially during periods of stress or environmental triggers.

As for the client's lesion, since it is a slightly elevated encrusted lesion and she has a history of cold sores, it is likely that HSV-1 is the causative agent. Direct oral contact is the common means of transmitting HSV-1, which can then lay dormant in nerve cells and reactivate. There is no cure, but treatments such as acyclovir and similar antiviral medications are used to manage symptoms and outbreaks.

Answer: 2) Virus