A great nursing challenge--recognition and effective management of the patient with herpes simplex encephalitis.

There are many difficulties associated with management of persons suspected or diagnosed with HSE. Excellent coordinated care is critical and the health care team must devote particular attention to these patients' complex clinical problems, including nutrition. While Vira-A therapy as the treatment for diagnosed HSE is significant, it may be associated with difficulties in fluid overload. Other problems are likely to evolve around a serious illness that progresses rapidly and is associated with fever, seizures, and increased intracranial pressure.