A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new diagnosis of shingles and is prescribed acyclovir. Which client statement indicates understanding of when to begin antiviral therapy?

A. Antiviral therapy is most effective when started early in the course of shingles. Beginning treatment late in the outbreak reduces the medication’s ability to limit viral replication and shorten symptom duration. B. Antiviral medications are not based on the severity of pain. Waiting until pain becomes severe delays treatment and diminishes its effectiveness in preventing complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. C. Waiting until blisters scab over is too late for antiviral therapy. By that stage, viral replication is largely complete, and acyclovir will have minimal impact on the duration or severity of the infection. D. Antiviral therapy should begin within 72 hours of the onset of the shingles rash. Starting acyclovir early helps reduce viral replication, decreases pain, accelerates healing, and lowers the risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. Early treatment is critical for optimal therapeutic effect, which is why client education focuses on prompt initiation once symptoms appear.