Which of the following topical medicine is used to treat herpes simplex?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

Acyclovir is a specific antiviral medication highly effective against Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) type 1 and 2.
It works by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase, which stops the virus from replicating in infected cells.
Topical acyclovir is used to manage symptoms, reduce healing time, and decrease viral shedding in conditions like oral herpes (cold sores) and genital herpes.

Option A: This is a combination of antibacterial agents (e.g., bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B) and has no effect on viruses like herpes simplex.
Option C: This is a topical antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and is ineffective against viral infections.
Option D: This is an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) agent, not an antiviral.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology of topical medications for skin infections as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must educate patients that while topical antivirals like acyclovir manage symptoms, they do not cure herpes or prevent transmission. Consistent and correct application is key for efficacy.
Proper hand hygiene and using a glove or finger cot during application are critical nursing interventions to prevent autoinoculation (spreading the virus to other parts of the patient's body) and to protect the healthcare provider.
What if? If the patient had a secondary bacterial infection on top of the herpes lesion (e.g., from scratching), a topical antibiotic like mupirocin might be prescribed in addition to the acyclovir, but the antibiotic would not treat the underlying viral cause.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for a treatment for 'herpes simplex'.
Recognize that herpes simplex is a viral infection.
Scan the options to classify each drug. Acyclovir is a well-known antiviral.
Evaluate the other options: 'Triple antibiotics' and 'Mupirocin' are clearly antibacterial. 'Masoprocol' is less common, but its purpose is for precancerous lesions, not infections.
Conclude that the only antiviral agent listed, Acyclovir, is the correct choice for a viral infection.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q5ReB8dqyJVfJT1NEZHees

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 3 p. 131-133

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1543-1545

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 2002-2004

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.