Chapter 67 – Herpes (QE) Sample Questions
1. KC is a 27-year-old woman who presents to the pharmacy with small, grouped, fluid-filled blisters around her lip, associated with tingling and mild pain. Symptoms began 5 days ago while she was on a sunny vacation. She takes oral contraceptives and vitamin D, has no chronic medical conditions, and no known allergies. The pharmacist determines she is experiencing a cold sore (herpes labialis). KC asks for a medication to speed up healing. What is the most appropriate recommendation?
- A. Refer her to a physician for assessment
- B. Recommend oral antiviral therapy
- C. Recommend docosanol cream
- D. Reassure her that no treatment will significantly accelerate healing at this stage
Ans:
D
Rationale:Antiviral therapy and docosanol are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. At 5 days, lesions are established and healing cannot be significantly accelerated; cold sores typically resolve within 7–10 days without scarring.
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