The nurse provided education on acyclovir to a client with a history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Which client statement indicates a need for further instruction?

A. "I understand that I may experience nausea and diarrhea.": Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common with acyclovir therapy. Clients should be informed to manage these symptoms with adequate hydration and food if tolerated. B. "I should use a condom while genital lesions are present.": Condom use is recommended both during outbreaks and between outbreaks to reduce HSV transmission, because viral shedding can occur even when lesions are not visible. Limiting protection only to times when lesions are present indicates incomplete understanding of infection prevention. C. "I should start taking acyclovir at first sign of an outbreak.": Early initiation of acyclovir at prodromal symptoms or the first sign of a lesion is appropriate to reduce severity and duration of an HSV outbreak. Prompt treatment improves clinical outcomes. D. "I understand that acyclovir will help lesions heal faster.": Acyclovir inhibits viral replication, which accelerates lesion healing and reduces symptom duration. Clients should understand that the medication does not cure HSV but aids in outbreak management.