What information should the nurse include for a client with herpes simplex virus type II during pregnancy?

For a client with herpes simplex virus type II during pregnancy, informing about the necessity of a Cesarean section when labor begins is crucial. This is primarily because the risk of neonatal herpes, a serious infection that can result from exposure during vaginal delivery, is significant if active lesions or symptoms are present at the time of delivery.

When the virus is active, especially during a primary outbreak or recurrent outbreaks close to the delivery date, the recommendation for a Cesarean section serves to protect the newborn from potential transmission. The decision for a Cesarean section is based on these infection risks rather than the mother's choice or other factors.

In contrast, while antiviral medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or reduce outbreak frequency, they do not eliminate the risk of transmission during vaginal delivery. Therefore, planning for a Cesarean delivery when there are active lesions is the best practice to safeguard the health of the infant.