A nurse is assisting with the development of an education program for a group of older adults.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

The statement, "You will no longer be infectious once you have completed a course of antibiotics," is incorrect. Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, including herpes. Antiviral medications are used for herpes management, but they do not cure the infection. The virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate.

Choice B rationale:

"You should increase fluid intake to relieve dysuria" is a correct and important piece of advice. Dysuria (painful urination) can be a symptom of genital herpes. Increasing fluid intake helps dilute urine, reducing discomfort during urination.

Choice C rationale:

"You should have the lesions drained as they appear" is incorrect. Lesion drainage is not a standard treatment for genital herpes. Antiviral medications are typically prescribed to manage outbreaks and reduce their duration and severity.

Choice D rationale:

"You should wear nylon underwear until the lesions have healed" is not the recommended guidance. Wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear is generally advised for comfort and to minimize irritation during a herpes outbreak. Nylon underwear may cause friction and discomfort.

Choice A rationale:

Encourage the client to have continual bed rest. Rationale: Continual bed rest is not the appropriate intervention for a client experiencing chronic fatigue due to leukemia. Prolonged bed rest can lead to further weakness and deconditioning. Encouraging some level of physical activity, such as gentle exercise, can help improve strength and reduce fatigue.

Choice B rationale:

Encourage strength-training exercise. Rationale: This is the correct intervention for a client with leukemia experiencing chronic fatigue. Strength-training exercises, when appropriate and under the guidance of healthcare professionals, can help improve muscle strength and overall endurance. It can combat the fatigue commonly associated with leukemia and its treatment.

Choice C rationale:

Increase the client's fluids to 4 L per day. Rationale: While adequate hydration is essential, increasing fluids to 4 liters per day may not be appropriate for every client. The optimal fluid intake for a client should be determined based on their individual needs and medical condition. Excessive fluid intake without medical indication can lead to complications like fluid overload.

Choice D rationale:

Increase protein in the diet. Rationale: Increasing protein intake can be beneficial for clients with leukemia as it helps in tissue repair and supports the immune system. However, it should be done in consultation with a registered dietitian to ensure that the client's specific dietary needs are met.