What vital information should a nurse collect from a patient prior to administering their first dose of antiviral medication for a cold sore?

The most critical information a nurse should collect prior to administering antiviral medication for a cold sore is the patient's allergies and nutritional status. Understanding the patient's allergies is essential because some antiviral medications can trigger allergic reactions in individuals who are hypersensitive to specific compounds or ingredients found in the medication. This knowledge allows for the safe administration of treatment and the prevention of potentially serious adverse effects.

Nutritional status is also relevant, as it may influence the patient's overall health and immune response. For patients with compromised nutritional status, medication efficacy might be impacted, and additional support or monitoring might be necessary.

While travel history and family diseases might provide context for the patient's overall health, they are not as directly relevant to the immediate concern of administering antiviral therapy. Similarly, knowing a patient's occupation and exposure to viruses can offer insights into their health risks but does not specifically pertain to the safe administration of the antiviral medication. Height and weight measurements, while important for certain dosages and assessments, are not as critical as allergies and nutritional status in this context. Thus, collecting information about allergies and nutritional status is paramount for ensuring the patient's safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.