A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has herpes simplex virus type 2. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Running cool water over the affected area will help to decrease pain and prevent further tissue damage. Allowing the affected area to remain open to air will help to promote healing and prevent infection.

A. "Apply ice to the larger blisters" is an incorrect answer because applying ice can cause further damage to the skin and delay healing.

B. "Administer ibuprofen for pain" is an incorrect answer because the nurse cannot administer medications without a physician's order.

C. "Maintain skin integrity over the blisters" is an incorrect answer because maintaining skin integrity over the blisters can cause further damage and delay healing.

Explanation: The nurse should run cool water over the affected area and allow it to remain open to the air to promote healing and prevent infection. Applying ice or medication without a physician's order can cause further damage and delay healing.

Red streaks along the incision. This is a possible sign of infection and should be reported to the healthcare provider. A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within the normal range and does not require reporting. Serosanguineous drainage at the incision site is normal within the first few days postoperatively. Hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants can indicate ileus, which is a possible complication following abdominal surgery, but it is not an immediate concern and can be monitored unless other symptoms arise.

Choice A: A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within the normal range and does not require reporting.

Choice B: Serosanguineous drainage at the incision site is normal within the first few days postoperatively.

Choice D: Hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants can indicate ileus, which is a possible complication following abdominal surgery, but it is not an immediate concern and can be monitored unless other symptoms arise.