Which precaution should the nurse implement for self-protection when a patient who has herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) needs to receive acyclovir (Zovirax)?

Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) is transmitted through direct contact with infectious secretions or lesions. When administering acyclovir (Zovirax) to a patient with an active HSV-2 infection, the primary self-protection concern for the nurse is avoiding autoinoculation or contact transmission of the virus to vulnerable mucosal sites. The most critical precaution is keeping the hands away from the eyes, because herpetic keratoconjunctivitis — herpes infection of the eye — is a serious complication that can result from transferring virus from lesions to the conjunctiva via contaminated hands. Wearing gloves during care is standard; the specific instruction for eyes targets the highest-risk secondary site. An N-95 mask is appropriate for airborne-transmitted diseases such as tuberculosis and is not indicated for HSV-2. A face shield and gown are used for procedures with splash risk and are not routine for all HSV-2 care. Instructing the patient to self-administer is not a standard self-protection measure and may not be feasible depending on lesion location. Proper hand hygiene and not touching the face, especially the eyes, after contact with lesions is the essential self-protective measure for the nurse.