A nurse is teaching a client who has herpes zoster. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"You should expect your blisters to last up to three weeks."
"Antiviral medications are most effective if taken within the first 72 hours of symptoms."
"People who have had chicken pox are at a decreased risk for herpes zoster”
"Severe pain after the blisters are gone is less common in older adults."
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. "You should expect your blisters to last up to three weeks.": Herpes zoster lesions typically last 7 to 10 days, with crusting and healing often occurring within 2 weeks. While some cases may extend slightly longer, stating "up to three weeks" may overgeneralize and mislead.
B. "Antiviral medications are most effective if taken within the first 72 hours of symptoms.": Antiviral drugs like acyclovir or valacyclovir are most effective when initiated within 72 hours of symptom onset. Early treatment reduces severity, duration, and the risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.
C. "People who have had chicken pox are at a decreased risk for herpes zoster.": Herpes zoster occurs due to reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant after chickenpox. Therefore, individuals who have had chickenpox are actually at increased risk.
D. "Severe pain after the blisters are gone is less common in older adults.": Older adults are more likely to experience postherpetic neuralgia, a complication involving persistent nerve pain after lesions resolve. The risk and severity of this pain increase with age, not decrease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Ask an experienced nurse to assist with the procedure: Seeking guidance from an experienced nurse supports safe practice and skill development. It ensures the procedure is performed correctly while providing an opportunity for supervised learning, which is appropriate for a newly licensed nurse.
B. Delegate the task to an assistive personnel: Tracheal suctioning is a sterile and invasive procedure that requires the clinical judgment and skills of a registered nurse. It should not be delegated to assistive personnel who are not trained or licensed to perform such procedures.
C. Refuse to take the assignment: Refusing the assignment without attempting to seek help or learn is not a constructive or professional approach. Nurses are expected to seek support when performing unfamiliar but appropriate tasks within their role.
D. Identify that the task is in the scope of RN practice and perform the suctioning: While it is within the RN scope, performing a skill without training or supervision may compromise patient safety. Competence must be demonstrated or developed with supervision before performing independently.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Blood pressure: The reading of 162/112 mm Hg meets the criteria for severe hypertension in pregnancy, which increases the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, placental abruption, and stroke.
B. Urine ketones: Ketones are negative, which rules out dehydration or starvation ketosis. Ketones would be more concerning if elevated alongside hyperemesis or gestational diabetes.
C. Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement at 31 weeks may indicate fetal hypoxia or distress and requires urgent evaluation with nonstress testing or biophysical profiling.
D. Respiratory rate: The client’s respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range (12–20/min) and does not indicate respiratory distress or a complication.
E. Report of headache: A severe, persistent headache that is unrelieved by acetaminophen is a classic warning sign of central nervous system involvement in preeclampsia and may precede seizures (eclampsia).
F. Urine protein: The presence of 3+ proteinuria indicates significant renal involvement, supporting a diagnosis of preeclampsia, particularly when paired with hypertension and neurologic symptoms.
G. Gravida/parity: While a history of preterm birth is a known risk factor, her current symptoms point toward preeclampsia rather than complications directly linked to her obstetric history.
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