Question

The nurse is caring for a client with herpes zoster. Which medication is used to shorten the outbreak of herpes zoster? A. Amevive (alefacept) B. Folex (methotrexate) C. Famvir (famciclovir) D. Raptiva (efalizumab)

Short answer

A: Amevive (alefacept) B: Folex (methotrexate) C: Famvir (famciclovir) D: Raptiva (efalizumab) Answer: C: Famvir (famciclovir)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the condition

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. The condition is characterized by a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body.

Eliminate irrelevant medications

Amevive (alefacept) is used for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Folex (methotrexate) is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, autoimmune disease, and ectopic pregnancy. Raptiva (efalizumab) is also a drug for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. None of these medications are used to treat herpes zoster, so we can eliminate options A, B, and D.

Identify the appropriate medication

Famvir (famciclovir) is an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles. It helps to shorten the outbreak of herpes zoster and reduce the severity of symptoms. So, the correct answer is option C: Famvir (famciclovir).

Key concepts

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the science of drugs and their effects on the human body. It plays a crucial role in nursing care as nurses must understand how different drugs interact, what they do, and potential side effects.
Pharmacology involves studying a wide range of medications, including antibiotics, pain relievers, and antivirals.

• Antibiotics target bacteria, helping to fight off bacterial infections.
• Pain relievers can be non-opioid, like ibuprofen, or opioid, like morphine, addressing different pain levels.
• Antiviral medications manage viral infections, such as the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles.

By understanding pharmacology, nurses ensure they administer the correct medication, understand its purpose, and manage any side effects effectively. This understanding is essential for patient safety and optimal care.

Nursing Care

Nursing care involves providing support and medical attention to individuals during illness and recovery. For those with viral infections like herpes zoster, nursing care focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
A comprehensive nursing approach includes:

• Assessment: Carefully observing any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Medication Administration: Ensuring patients receive appropriate antiviral medications, like Famvir, in a timely manner.
• Pain Management: Applying topical treatments or prescribing pain relief medications to ease discomfort.
• Education: Teaching patients about managing their symptoms, lifestyle modifications, and preventive measures.

Nursing care is dynamic and requires constant communication between the patient, nursing team, and other healthcare professionals to provide the best outcomes.

Viral Infections

Viral infections are illnesses caused by viruses that invade healthy cells in the body. Herpes zoster, known as shingles, results from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant after causing chickenpox.
Features of viral infections include:

• Incubation periods where the virus multiples before symptoms appear.
• Symptoms like fever, fatigue, or rash, varying with the type of virus.
• Transmission based on the virus, occurring via direct contact or airborne particles.

Understanding viral infections assists healthcare professionals in choosing appropriate treatments, preventing spread, and educating patients on protective steps, such as vaccination against specific viruses.

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral medications are used to treat viral infections by inhibiting the replication of viruses.
Famciclovir, a key antiviral discussed in the solution, specifically targets herpes viruses.

• Famciclovir helps reduce the length and severity of herpes zoster outbreaks.
• It works by halting the virus's capability to multiply, thus managing the symptoms.
• Regular dosing ensures maximum effectiveness against the viral activity.

While antiviral medications do not cure viral infections, they are vital in controlling symptoms and preventing long-term complications, improving the quality of life for affected individuals.