Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common viral infection that can affect both the oral and genital areas. Understanding HSV is important for preventing transmission, recognizing symptoms, and managing outbreaks, especially in high-risk populations such as pregnant women and newborns.
This quiz covers key facts about HSV, including how it spreads, signs and symptoms, treatment strategies, and precautions to protect yourself and others.
Don’t forget to check out our sexually transmitted infection (STI) nursing reviews and to review the herpes STI nursing notes before taking this quiz.
Herpes Simplex Virus (Oral and Genital Herpes) STI Nursing NCLEX Questions Quiz
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Herpes STI NCLEX Questions
- Which of the following statements are TRUE regarding herpes simplex virus (HSV)?
Select all that apply.
A. HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes.
B. Oral herpes can cause genital herpes.
C. HSV-2 does not cause oral herpes.
D. Genital herpes is typically caused by HSV-2.
E. HSV-1 does not cause genital herpes.
The answers are A, B, D. HSV-1 is typically associated with oral lesions, while HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes. However, either virus can infect either location. Oral herpes (usually HSV-1) can spread to the genital area through oral-genital contact, and HSV-2 can appear orally.
- Which of the following is not a typical way herpes simplex virus (HSV) is spread?
A. Sharing razors
B. Oral sexual contact
C. Kissing
D. Coughing or sneezing
The answer is D: coughing or sneezing. Herpes spreads through direct contact with infected skin, or mucous membranes, such as kissing or oral sexual contact, where the virus is present in saliva or genital secretions. It’s possible it can be transmitted through shared items like razors (rare but possible) if they have contact with infected fluid. Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing do not transmit HSV because the virus cannot survive well in the air.
- The nurse is educating a patient about the signs and symptoms of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Which of the following should the nurse include?
Select all that apply.
A. Chancres
B. Cauliflower-like growths on genitals
C. Thick, foamy discharge
D. Swollen lymph nodes
E. Tingling or burning sensation before a sore appears
F. Clusters of fluid-filled sores
G. Fatigue
The answers are D, E, F, and G. HSV can cause swollen lymph nodes, a tingling or burning sensation before sores appear, clusters of fluid-filled sores, and fatigue, especially during the initial outbreak. The other signs listed are associated with different infections: chancres are seen in syphilis, cauliflower-like growths on the genitals occur with HPV (genital warts), and a thick, foamy discharge is typical of trichomoniasis.
- True or False: All pregnant patients are routinely screened for herpes simplex virus (HSV) during prenatal care.
The answer is False. Not all pregnant patients are tested for herpes. Healthcare providers usually test only if the patient has symptoms of genital herpes, a history of herpes, positive for an STI etc. Most people with herpes don’t show symptoms, so testing everyone isn’t done and treatment is based on symptoms and risk factors.
- A 25-year-old pregnant patient has a history of recurrent genital herpes. To help decrease transmission to the baby, when should antiviral treatment be started?
A. At 20 weeks gestation
B. At 30 weeks gestation
C. At 36 weeks gestation
D. No treatment is needed unless an active outbreak is present
The answer is C: At 36 weeks gestation. For a pregnant patient with a history of genital herpes, daily antiviral medicine should start at 36 weeks. This helps lower the chance of the virus passing to the baby during birth. If the mother has active sores when labor starts, a C-section may be needed to protect the baby.
- A patient with herpes is prescribed acyclovir. Which statement indicates the patient needs further clarification about this medication?
A. “This medication does not cure the herpes infection.”
B. “It’s important I avoid sexual contact during treatment.”
C. “I will take it within 1 week of the start of symptoms.”
D. “I will take all of the prescribed dose even when my symptoms improve.”
The answer is C: “I will take it within 1 week of the start of symptoms.” Acyclovir works best when started as soon as possible after the first signs of an outbreak, ideally within 1–2 days of tingling, burning, or sores. Waiting a week makes the medication much less effective. The other statements are correct.
- True or False: Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause genital herpes.
The answer is True. HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes, while HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes (cold sores). However, either virus can infect the genital area, usually through oral-genital contact, and cause genital herpes.
- A new mother has an active oral herpes (HSV-1) outbreak. Which steps should the patient take to prevent transmission to her newborn?
Select all that apply.
A. Only kiss the newborn when lesions are covered
B. Wash hands thoroughly before and after caring for the baby
C. Keep oral lesions covered whenever near the baby
D. Avoid sharing blankets, bottles, or utensils with the newborn
The answers are B, C, and D. The mother should completely avoid kissing the newborn (even if lesions are covered) because the virus can still spread through the saliva. The other options help prevent transmission to the baby.
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