A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new onset of genital herpes. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A Reason:

Provide assistance with ambulation: Patients with cerebellar tumors often experience ataxia, which is a lack of muscle coordination affecting voluntary movements such as walking and balance. Assisting with ambulation is crucial to prevent falls and ensure the patient’s safety. The cerebellum plays a significant role in motor control, and damage to this area can severely impair a patient’s ability to move safely. Therefore, providing assistance with ambulation is a priority to prevent injury and promote mobility.

Choice B Reason:

Facilitate retention of facts by repeating instructions: While repeating instructions can be beneficial for patients with cognitive impairments, it is not the primary concern for a patient with a cerebellar tumor. The main issues with cerebellar tumors are related to motor control and balance. Although cognitive support is important, ensuring physical safety through assistance with ambulation takes precedence.

Choice C Reason:

Place the client in a darkened room: Placing a patient in a darkened room might help with symptoms like photophobia (sensitivity to light), but it does not address the primary concerns associated with cerebellar tumors, such as balance and coordination. This action does not directly contribute to the patient’s immediate safety and mobility needs.

Choice D Reason:

Speak slowly and clearly: Clear communication is always important in nursing care, especially for patients who may have difficulty understanding due to neurological issues. However, for a patient with a cerebellar tumor, the immediate priority is to address motor dysfunction and prevent falls. Speaking slowly and clearly is supportive but not the primary action needed to ensure the patient’s safety.

Choice A Reason

“You are not contagious when lesions are healed.” This statement is incorrect. Genital herpes can still be contagious even when there are no visible lesions. The virus can be shed from the skin and transmitted to others even in the absence of symptoms.

Choice B Reason

“This infection is spread through the air.” This statement is incorrect. Genital herpes is not spread through the air. It is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, particularly during sexual activity.

Choice C Reason

“Stress can activate an outbreak.” This statement is correct. Stress is a known trigger for reactivation of the herpes simplex virus, leading to outbreaks of genital herpes. Other triggers can include illness, fatigue, and immune suppression.

Choice D Reason

“Antiviral drugs will cure the infection.” This statement is incorrect. While antiviral drugs can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, they do not cure the infection. The herpes simplex virus remains in the body and can reactivate.