Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client with herpes zoster. What symptom(s) can the nurse anticipate? Select all that apply.
- A. Symptoms appear symmetrically.
- B. Client states pain and itchiness.
- C. Symptoms last for 24 hours.
- D. Rash appears first as vesicles then crusts.
- E. A secondary skin infection can begin.
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: The nurse is correct to identify the symptoms of herpes zoster as pain and itchiness that occur unilaterally along a dermatome. The rash appears as vesicles that rupture and then form a crust. The symptoms can last for weeks or months.
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The nurse is providing instruction to a client newly diagnosed with herpes zoster. Which two medications does the nurse anticipate to reduce pain and severity of disease symptoms?
- A. Acyclovir and prednisone
- B. Penicillin and Tylenol
- C. Keflex and Benadryl
- D. Zostavax and ibuprofen
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse is correct to instruct the client that medications prescribed to care for an outbreak of shingles include acyclovir (most frequently prescribed medication for shingles) and prednisone, a corticosteroid. Oral acyclovir, when taken within 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms, reduces the severity and prevents the development of additional lesions. Also, a brief course of corticosteroids reduces pain. Additional treatments include antipruritic and analgesic medications but are not as important as the acyclovir.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with herpes zoster. Which statement by the client needs further clarification by the nurse?
- A. Even though this is from a childhood disease, I am still contagious.
- B. Herpes zoster is caused by a viral infection.
- C. Herpes zoster is a reactivation of the varicella virus.
- D. Once I get the infection, I cannot get it again.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse is correct to clarify that even though the client has herpes zoster, the client can get herpes zoster again. The virus is contagious and can reoccur. All of the other options are accurate statements that demonstrate the client's understanding.
The nurse is caring for a client with a furuncle. What advice should the nurse give the client to prevent the spread of the infection?
- A. Keep hair short, clean, and away from the face and forehead.
- B. Never pick or squeeze a furuncle.
- C. Avoid the use of cosmetics.
- D. Use tepid bath water.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client with a furuncle should never pick or squeeze it as the drainage is infectious and this practice favors the spread of the infection. Infections by organisms that usually exist harmlessly on the skin surface cause furuncles. Keeping the hair short, clean, and away from the face and forehead, avoiding cosmetics, and using tepid bath water do not help in preventing the spread of a furuncle.
What is the cause of shingles?
- A. Parasitic fungi
- B. Itch mite
- C. Reactivated virus
- D. Hormonal change
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Several skin disorders involve an infecting agent. Scabies is caused by an itch mite. Parasitic fungi cause dermatophytosis in the skin, scalp, and nails. Shingles is caused by a reactivated virus. Hormonal change is not the cause of shingles.
The nurse is caring for a client prescribed oral griseofulvin for treatment of a fungal toenail infection. Which instruction by the nurse is essential in understanding the treatment plan?
- A. Take the medication with meals.
- B. Administer medications daily.
- C. Continue medication regimen for several weeks.
- D. Administer a stool softener to offset constipation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fungal infections are difficult to treat and often take many weeks of medication to eradicate. Taking medication with meals, administering daily, and using stool softeners are good teaching components but not essential in understanding the treatment plan.