A nurse is teaching a group of teenage clients about the use of condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason:
Herpes zoster lesions are indeed contagious if they are draining. The virus can spread through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. It is crucial to cover the lesions to prevent spreading the virus to others, especially to those who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine.

Choice B reason:
The development of vesicles, which are small fluid-filled blisters, is a hallmark of herpes zoster. These vesicles typically appear in a band-like pattern on one side of the body and are often accompanied by pain, itching, or tingling before they are visible.

Choice C reason:
Postherpetic neuralgia is a condition where the pain persists in the area of the herpes zoster rash even after the lesions have healed. This can last for weeks, months, or even years and is more common in older adults.

Choice D reason:
Herpes zoster itself is not spread like chickenpox. It occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which has been lying dormant in the nerve cells, reactivates. While it is possible for someone who has never had chickenpox to develop chickenpox after direct contact with a shingles rash, herpes zoster is not "easily spread" to others in the same way that chickenpox is.

Choice A reason:Scheduling the procedure five days before the expected menses would place it in the late proliferative phase, which risks missing ongoing menstrual bleeding and could coincide with implantation if the client ovulated early. Best practice is to perform the test after menstruation ends but before ovulation—usually within 12 days of the first day of the last period—to ensure the client is not pregnant.

Choice B reason:
Diarrhea is not a common side effect of HSG. The procedure involves the insertion of a dye into the uterine cavity to visualize the fallopian tubes and uterus via X-ray. While some discomfort, cramping, or spotting may occur, diarrhea is not typically expected.

Choice C reason:
There is no requirement for a client to be on a liquid diet following an HSG procedure. The client can usually resume normal activities and diet immediately after the procedure unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider.

Choice D reason:
Referred shoulder pain can occur when contrast fluid spills through a patent tube into the peritoneal cavity, irritating the diaphragm’s undersurface and eliciting pain perceived at the shoulder via the phrenic nerve. Clients should be advised this is normal, short-lived, and relieved by positioning or mild analgesics.