A nurse is caring for a client in a community health clinic who has a new diagnosis of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Which of the following information should the nurse include when teaching the client about the infection?

Rationale:
A. The nurse positions a client who is postoperative in a semi-Fowler's position: Semi-Fowler’s promotes lung expansion and comfort postoperatively, especially after abdominal or thoracic surgery, making this an appropriate nursing action.

B. The nurse uses clean gloves when administering an enema: Clean gloves are sufficient for enema administration since it is a clean (not sterile) procedure, and this reflects correct practice.

C. The nurse performs auscultation of the lungs without lifting the gown: Clothing or gowns interfere with accurate transmission of breath sounds, leading to possible misinterpretation. The gown should be lifted or moved aside to properly auscultate.

D. The nurse applies a cold compress to reduce localized swelling: Cold therapy decreases blood flow and inflammation, making this an appropriate intervention for localized swelling or injury.

Rationale for Correct Choices

• Seizures: The client’s BP of 166/110 mm Hg, +3 pitting edema, hyperreflexia (4+), and 3+ proteinuria are hallmark findings of severe preeclampsia, which places the client at high risk for progression to eclampsia (seizures). Cerebral edema and vasospasm associated with preeclampsia can precipitate convulsions if untreated.

• Placental abruption: Severe hypertension causes vasoconstriction and endothelial damage in uteroplacental vessels, predisposing the placenta to premature separation. This can lead to fetal distress, decreased movement, and potential maternal hemorrhage, both consistent with placental abruption risk in preeclampsia.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices

• Hypoglycemia: This condition is not related to preeclampsia; it more commonly occurs in clients with diabetes or from medication effects such as insulin overuse.

• Cervical insufficiency: This condition involves painless cervical dilation leading to preterm birth, unrelated to hypertension or proteinuria.

• Heart failure: Although hypertension increases cardiac workload, the current findings (normal heart rate, no dyspnea, clear lungs) do not indicate heart failure in this client.