A nurse is discussing the transmission cycle of VZV with a nursing student. Which statement by the student indicates a need for further education?
"Primary infection occurs when a person comes into contact with respiratory droplets.”
"Reactivation of VZV in the nerve cells leads to the onset of chickenpox.”
"The incubation period of VZV ranges from 10 to 21 days.”
"The risk of transmission is lower during reactivation compared to primary infection.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
The primary infection of VZV occurs through respiratory droplets, not when a person comes into contact with them. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory secretions.
Choice B rationale:
Reactivation of VZV in the nerve cells leads to the onset of shingles, not chickenpox. Chickenpox is the primary infection, and after recovery, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate as shingles later in life.
Choice C rationale:
The incubation period of VZV for chickenpox ranges from 10 to 21 days, which is accurate information.
Choice D rationale:
The risk of transmission during reactivation (shingles) is higher than during primary infection (chickenpox) Shingles can cause the development of vesicles containing the virus, which can be contagious if someone comes into direct contact with the fluid from the vesicles. Primary chickenpox, on the other hand, spreads through respiratory droplets and is more widespread during the initial infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
(Incorrect) The herpes zoster vaccine (shingles vaccine) is not administered to patients with chickenpox. The vaccine is recommended for those aged 50 years and older to prevent shingles in individuals who have previously had chickenpox.
Choice B rationale:
(Incorrect) Encouraging contact with immunocompromised individuals is not appropriate when caring for a patient with chickenpox. Immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to severe complications from the varicella-zoster virus, so close contact should be avoided.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct) Using cool compresses is an essential comfort measure for patients with chickenpox. Cool compresses can help soothe the itching and discomfort caused by the chickenpox rash.
Choice D rationale:
(Incorrect) Providing educational materials only to the patient is not sufficient. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient's family members or caregivers about chickenpox precautions and care to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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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