A 19-year-old goes to a Planned Parenthood clinic with complaints of painful lesions, fever, headache, and vaginal discharge. After testing, she is diagnosed with Herpes simplex virus type 2. What education should the nurse include in a teaching plan? (Select All that Apply.)

Choice A rationale Perineal care for genital lesions is crucial for managing Herpes simplex virus type 2. Keeping the affected area clean and dry helps prevent secondary bacterial infections and promotes healing. Gentle cleansing with mild soap and water, followed by air drying or using a cool hairdryer, reduces discomfort and the risk of complications. Choice B rationale The use of barrier protection, such as condoms, is essential for preventing the transmission of Herpes simplex virus type 2 to sexual partners. Although condoms do not offer 100% protection, they significantly reduce the risk of viral shedding and transmission during sexual activity, even when lesions are not overtly present. Choice C rationale Penicillin is an antibiotic that is effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections like Herpes simplex virus type 2. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir are used to manage herpes outbreaks by inhibiting viral replication, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Choice D rationale Gardasil is a vaccine that protects against human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer and genital warts. It does not provide protection against Herpes simplex virus type 2. Therefore, administering Gardasil would not be an appropriate intervention for a client diagnosed with HSV-2. Choice E rationale Handwashing is a fundamental infection control measure. For individuals with Herpes simplex virus type 2, diligent handwashing is critical after touching lesions to prevent autoinoculation (spreading the virus to other parts of their own body) and heteroinoculation (spreading the virus to others). This reduces transmission risk.