A client newly diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection, and syphilis asks, “Okay, so how do I get rid of all this stuff?” In planning a care plan, the nurse recognizes it is essential to address:

• A. Correct use of condoms to prevent transmission of all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• B. Cures for each of the STDs identified.
• C. Risk of skin-to-skin contact in transmitting the identified STDs.
• D. Safety of sexual contact in the absence of lesions.

Answer: (C)

Understanding how these infections spread is the key. HPV and HSV-2 are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, not just through intercourse, and viruses can spread even when no symptoms are present or when a condom is used. Condoms reduce risk but do not fully prevent transmission because areas of skin not covered by a condom can harbor the virus and can shed it without visible lesions. Therefore, when planning care, the focus should be on how skin-to-skin contact facilitates transmission and on practical ways to reduce that risk, rather than promising cures or assuming safety simply because there are no lesions. This approach helps the client grasp why transmission can occur even with precautions and why comprehensive prevention strategies are needed.