Question

The client with genital herpes is seen in the clinic with an active lesion. The nurse should anticipate an order for: A. Pyrazinamide (Tebrazid) B. Isoniazid (Laniazid) C. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) D. Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Short answer

Answer: D. Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the purpose of each medication

First, we will identify the main use of each medication in the choices provided: A. Pyrazinamide (Tebrazid) - Primarily used for treating tuberculosis. B. Isoniazid (Laniazid) - Another medication used for treating tuberculosis. C. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) - A fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections. D. Acyclovir (Zovirax) - An antiviral medication used for treating herpes infections.

Match the appropriate medication to the condition

Since the client is suffering from genital herpes, an antiviral medication would be the appropriate choice. Therefore, the correct answer is Acyclovir (Zovirax), as it is specifically used to treat herpes infections.

Answer the question

Thus, the anticipated medication order for the client with genital herpes and an active lesion would be: D. Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Key concepts

Nursing Pharmacology

Understanding pharmacology is a cornerstone of nursing practice, particularly when it comes to administering medications for various conditions. For those preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam, pharmacology encompasses the knowledge of drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, side effects, and potential interactions. When a nurse encounters a patient with a diagnosis such as genital herpes, recognizing the correct antiviral medication is crucial.

Nurses must be adept at differentiating between medication classes like antivirals, antibiotics, and antituberculosis drugs. Each medication, like Acyclovir for herpes or Isoniazid for tuberculosis, is targeted to its specific pathogen. The NCLEX-PN will test this knowledge thoroughly, ensuring nurses can safely manage and educate patients about their medications.

Genital Herpes Treatment

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is characterized by painful lesions and can cause periodic outbreaks. The goal of genital herpes treatment is to reduce the severity and length of episodes. Nurses must be prepared to provide education about the treatments, which include lifestyle changes, symptom management, and antiviral medications.

For active lesions, as seen in the NCLEX-PN exercise, antiviral medications, such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), are expected to be prescribed. Acyclovir works by inhibiting viral replication, thereby reducing the outbreak's duration and potential transmission. Nurses should also educate patients on avoiding sexual contact during active outbreaks and the importance of regular medication adherence to manage the condition.

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral medications are a class of drugs specifically used to treat viral infections by inhibiting the development of the virus responsible for the disease. Unlike antibiotics that tackle bacterial infections, antivirals target viruses such as herpes simplex, influenza, and HIV. A common example given in the exercise is Acyclovir (Zovirax), a go-to drug for herpes infections.

Antiviral treatments can be administered in various ways including tablets, capsules, creams, and intravenously. When recommending antiviral drugs, the nurse must consider various factors including the severity of the infection, potential side effects, and medication interactions. For instance, Acyclovir is known to be effective against HSV, and it is crucial for nurses to monitor the patient's kidney function, hydration status, and potential side effects while on this medication.