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).