A nurse is caring for a patient with shingles. Which of the following isolation precautions should the nurse implement for the patient?
Airborne precautions.
Droplet precautions.
Contact precautions.
Standard precautions.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Airborne precautions are used for infectious agents that spread through small respiratory droplets and remain suspended in the air for long periods. Shingles is not transmitted through the airborne route.
Choice B rationale:
Droplet precautions are used for infectious agents that spread through large respiratory droplets and have a limited range. Shingles is not transmitted through large respiratory droplets.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct response. Contact precautions are implemented for patients with shingles (herpes zoster) because the virus spreads through direct contact with the rash or lesions.
Choice D rationale:
Standard precautions are used for all patients to prevent the transmission of infections from both recognized and unrecognized sources. However, for specific diseases like shingles, additional precautions like contact precautions are also required.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Topical corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in various skin conditions, but they are not the best option for managing pain associated with shingles (herpes zoster) Corticosteroids primarily target inflammation and do not provide effective pain relief in neuropathic pain, which is characteristic of shingles.
Choice B rationale:
Antibiotics are not useful for managing the pain caused by shingles. Shingles is a viral infection, not a bacterial one, so antibiotics would not be effective in reducing pain or preventing secondary infection.
Choice C rationale:
Starting antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, within 72 hours of rash onset is essential for managing shingles. These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness and may also decrease the risk of developing complications like postherpetic neuralgia.
Choice D rationale:
Topical capsaicin is an appropriate option for neuropathic pain relief in shingles. Capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, works by desensitizing the nerve endings and reducing pain signals. However, it may cause a burning sensation initially, and the client should be advised on proper application and hand hygiene afterward.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring vital signs, pain level, and neurological status is important to assess the client's overall condition and response to treatment.
Choice B rationale:
Isolating the patient until all lesions are crusted over is not necessary for shingles, as it is not as highly contagious as chickenpox.
Choice C rationale:
Educating the patient and family about the disease process is essential to help them understand the condition, its course, and the necessary measures for management and prevention of complications.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging oral hygiene and a soft diet is important, especially if the patient has oral lesions, to promote comfort and prevent secondary infections.
Choice E rationale:
Administering medications as prescribed, such as antiviral medications, can help reduce the severity and duration of the shingles outbreak.
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