A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is experiencing a herpes simplex outbreak. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend?

A. Cleanse skin eruptions with povidone-iodine. Cleaning the skin eruptions with a mild antiseptic like povidone-iodine can help reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections and promote healing. Keeping the affected area clean is important in managing herpes simplex outbreaks. B. Avoid over-the-counter topical ointments. Over-the-counter topical ointments are often recommended to help soothe the skin and alleviate discomfort during a herpes simplex outbreak. While some ointments may not be effective against the virus, it is not necessary to avoid all topical products. C. Administer an antibiotic medication. Herpes simplex is caused by a virus, so antibiotics, which are effective against bacterial infections, would not be appropriate for treating this condition. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir are indicated instead to help manage outbreaks. D. Place disposable thermometers in the client's room. There is no specific need for disposable thermometers for a client with a herpes simplex outbreak. Standard infection control practices are sufficient, and there is no risk of contamination related to herpes that would require special thermometers.