Five months following treatment for herpes zoster, an older adult client tells the home health nurse of continuing to experience pain where the rash occurred. Which action should the nurse implement?
Teach the client about phantom pain symptoms.
Perform a complete mental status exam.
Determine if the client has had a shingles vaccination.
Complete an assessment of the client's pain.
The Correct Answer is D
D. Persistent pain following the resolution of herpes zoster, known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), is a common complication, especially in older adults. PHN can cause significant discomfort and affect the client's quality of life. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the client's pain to better understand its characteristics, severity, duration, aggravating or alleviating factors, and impact on daily activities.
A. Patient education should follow a complete assessment of the pain to ascertain the diagnosis.
B. Performing a complete mental status exam is not indicated solely based on the client's report of persistent pain from herpes zoster.
C. Determining if the client has had a shingles vaccination is important for preventive healthcare, but it is not the priority action in addressing the client's current pain concern related to PHN. The focus should be on assessing and managing the client's pain to improve their comfort and well-being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A high-pitched sound heard upon inspiration, known as a "stridor," can indicate airway obstruction or respiratory distress. In the postoperative period following an appendectomy, airway patency and adequate ventilation are essential for the client's oxygenation and recovery.
B. While a slightly elevated heart rate may be expected in the immediate postoperative period due to stress or pain, it does not typically require immediate action unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
C. Redness and edema at the incision site can be normal inflammatory responses following surgery.
D. Pain is common after surgery, and a pain rating of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10 indicates moderate to severe pain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site are classic signs of an exit site infection in peritoneal dialysis. Exit site infections are a common complication of peritoneal dialysis and can lead to more serious complications, such as peritonitis, if not promptly treated. Preventing exit site infections through proper catheter care and hygiene is essential in peritoneal dialysis management.
A. While outflow obstruction can occur in peritoneal dialysis, it typically presents with symptoms such as poor drainage of dialysate fluid, abdominal discomfort, and a decrease in dialysis efficiency. The described findings of redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site are more indicative of a localized issue rather than outflow obstruction.
C. Atelectasis refers to the collapse of a part or the entire lung. While it can occur in hospitalized patients, especially those with underlying respiratory conditions, the described findings are not indicative of atelectasis. Atelectasis typically presents with symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and decreased breath sounds on auscultation.
D. Peritonitis is a severe complication of peritoneal dialysis characterized by inflammation and infection of the peritoneal lining. While redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site may precede peritonitis, the focus of concern in this scenario is primarily on preventing exit site infection, which, if left untreated, can progress to peritonitis.
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