Question

Which action by the nurse indicates understanding of herpes zoster? A. The nurse covers the lesions with a sterile dressing. B. The nurse wears gloves when providing care. C. The nurse administers a prescribed antibiotic. D. The nurse administers oxygen.

Short answer

Answer: Wearing gloves when providing care.

Step-by-step solution

Understand herpes zoster

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It manifests as a painful rash, often with blisters. Herpes zoster is contagious and can be spread to those who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine.

Analyze Option A - Covering lesions with a sterile dressing

Covering the lesions with a sterile dressing may help prevent the spread of the virus. Although it doesn't directly address the cause or management of herpes zoster, it might indirectly demonstrate a nurse's understanding that the virus is contagious. Consider this option but evaluate the other choices as well.

Analyze Option B - Wearing gloves when providing care

Wearing gloves when providing care is an important safety measure for the nurse and the patient, as it helps to prevent the spread of infection, especially when dealing with contagious conditions like herpes zoster.

Analyze Option C - Administering a prescribed antibiotic

Herpes zoster is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Administering a prescribed antibiotic would not be the proper course of action for herpes zoster because antibiotics do not treat viral infections. This option can be ruled out.

Analyze Option D - Administering oxygen

There is no direct link between herpes zoster and a lack of oxygen. Although oxygen administration may be necessary in some cases for other reasons, it doesn't specifically address the management of herpes zoster. This option can be ruled out.

Choose the best option

Considering the analysis of each option, the best option is B. The nurse wears gloves when providing care. This action demonstrates an understanding of herpes zoster by acknowledging its contagious nature and taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

Key concepts

Herpes Zoster Understanding

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection that originates from the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Once a person has recovered from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. Sometimes, it may reactivate years later as herpes zoster, leading to a painful rash. The rash often appears as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body, typically the torso, but can also affect the face and eyes.

Shingles are contagious, particularly through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. Individuals who have not had chickenpox or its vaccine are at risk of contracting the virus and possibly developing chickenpox. However, they cannot develop shingles directly from another person's shingles rash. The understanding of shingles is crucial for healthcare workers, as it aids in implementing the correct infection control practices and preventing further spread.

Nursing Infection Control

Infection control is a vital part of nursing practice, particularly when dealing with contagious infections like herpes zoster. To prevent the spread of this viral infection, nurses should adhere to several important measures.

• Glove Use: Wearing gloves when in contact with a patient's rash or bodily fluids is crucial. This practice protects the nurse and prevents transmission to others.
• Dressing Lesions: Covering herpes zoster lesions with a sterile dressing minimizes exposure to viral particles and adds a protective barrier.
• Isolation Precautions: Depending on the severity and location of the rash, contact or airborne isolation precautions may be necessary, particularly in healthcare settings.
• Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing before and after caring for the patient is essential to infection control.

By strictly adhering to these practices, healthcare professionals can manage and control the spread of herpes zoster effectively.

Viral Infection Management

Managing viral infections like herpes zoster involves a combination of symptom relief and prevention of complications. Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections do not respond to antibiotics. Treatment focuses on antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir, which can reduce the severity and duration of herpes zoster symptoms if administered early.

For symptom management, pain relief is often necessary due to the intense neuralgia associated with herpes zoster. This can involve over-the-counter pain relievers or stronger medications prescribed by healthcare providers.

Vaccination plays a key role in managing and preventing herpes zoster, particularly in older adults who are at higher risk. The shingles vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles and complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.

It's crucial for nurses and caregivers to be well-informed about these management strategies to ensure effective care for patients with viral infections like herpes zoster.