Roach's Introductory Clinical Pharmacology 11th Edition - Antiviral Drugs Related

Review Roach's Introductory Clinical Pharmacology 11th Edition - Antiviral Drugs related questions and content

A patient with skin lesions due to a viral infection has been prescribed a topical antiviral agent. When teaching the patient about this therapy, which of the following would the nurse emphasize?

  • A. The drug will not prevent the spread of the disease to others.
  • B. Topical drugs should be applied using the hand, not a finger cot or gloves.
  • C. All lesions should be left open and not covered in any way.
  • D. Sexual contact when lesions are present is permissible if barrier methods are used.
  • E. Apply the drug twice daily for best results
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should inform the patient that application of the drug does not prevent the spread of the disease to others. Topical drugs should be applied with a finger cot or gloves but not with bare hands. The nurse should instruct the patient to cover all lesions and not leave them open. The nurse should also stress the importance of avoiding sexual contact when lesions are present irrespective of contraceptive measures. The frequency of application depends on the specific drug prescribed.