Which instruction should the nurse provide regarding labor for a client with genital herpes?

• A. Vaginal delivery is preferred.
• B. A cesarean section will be necessary if vaginal lesions are present.
• C. Antiviral medication should be taken during labor.
• D. Natural childbirth techniques should be used.

Answer: (B)

The recommendation that a cesarean section will be necessary if vaginal lesions are present is based on the risk of transmitting genital herpes to the infant during a vaginal delivery. If a mother has active lesions or an outbreak at the time of labor, there is a significant risk that the virus could be transmitted to the baby, which can lead to severe neonatal herpes.

By opting for a cesarean delivery in this situation, the risk of exposure to the virus is minimized. Therefore, this instruction is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the mother and the infant during childbirth, aligning with current medical guidelines on managing herpes during delivery.

The other options do not provide the same level of safety in the presence of active genital herpes lesions, as vaginal delivery in such cases poses a risk of viral transmission.