A nurse is caring for a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and received a provider order for group B streptococcus beta-hemolytic culture. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used primarily to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections to prevent vertical transmission to the neonate. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium and is treated with antibiotics, specifically penicillin or ampicillin, administered intravenously during labor and delivery to prevent neonatal sepsis. Choice B rationale The Group B Streptococcus (GBS) culture is typically collected as a single screen between 36 weeks 0 days and 37 weeks 6 days of gestation from the lower vagina and perirectal area. This one-time positive result is sufficient to indicate the need for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP); repeat testing 24 hours later is not standard practice. Choice C rationale If the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) culture is positive, the client is considered colonized and requires intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP), usually penicillin G, administered intravenously at the onset of labor or rupture of membranes. This reduces the risk of GBS transmission to the newborn, which can cause severe neonatal morbidity like sepsis or pneumonia. Choice D rationale The Group B Streptococcus (GBS) culture is a screening test obtained via a swab of the client's lower vagina and perirectal area, not a blood test. The GBS bacteria colonize these areas, and the swab is sent for culture and sensitivity to determine the need for prophylactic antibiotics during labor.