The adult client is being assessed at an outpatient clinic and states, "I have sores in my mouth and on my lips." The nurse notes the presence of crusted lesions on the lips and inside the client's mouth along the cheek. The client states that the lesions do not itch. Based on this assessment data, which condition is this client likely experiencing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of crusted lesions on the lips and inside the mouth along the cheek is a characteristic manifestation of herpes simplex. Chickenpox presents with small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters, contact dermatitis presents with red, itchy rash that may blister, and psoriasis presents with scaly, red patches on the skin. The fact that the client reports that the lesions do not itch supports a diagnosis of herpes simplex, as this condition typically causes painful sores rather than itchy ones like contact dermatitis or chickenpox.

The Adult Client Is Being Assessed at an Outpatient Clinic