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. Clients receiving thrombolytic therapy are at an increased risk of bleeding, which can manifest as internal bleeding, hemorrhage at vascular access sites, gastrointestinal bleeding, or intracranial bleeding. The nurse's priority is to closely monitor the client for signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as sudden onset or worsening of headache, changes in level of consciousness, hematuria, melena, ecchymosis, or hematoma formation.
B. While activity intolerance is a common nursing diagnosis for clients following an acute myocardial infarction due to myocardial ischemia, it is not the priority in this case where the client is actively receiving thrombolytic therapy.
C. While respiratory complications can occur following thrombolytic therapy, such as pulmonary embolism or bleeding into the lungs, the risk of bleeding complications takes precedence as the priority nursing problem for this client.
D. Education about the new medication regimen is important for client understanding and adherence, but it is not the priority nursing problem in the immediate post-thrombolytic therapy period.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Occult positive emesis refers to vomiting that occurs without the client's awareness, meaning that the vomitus may not be easily visible or readily apparent. Vomiting can lead to significant fluid loss and dehydration, which is particularly concerning in a client who has undergone a biliopancreatic diversion procedure (BDP).
A. Loose bowel movements may indicate gastrointestinal disturbances or malabsorption issues commonly seen after biliopancreatic diversion procedure (BDP). BDP involves rerouting a significant portion of the small intestine, which can affect digestion and absorption of nutrients and fluids.
C. Strong foul-smelling flatus may indicate bacterial overgrowth or malabsorption issues in the gastrointestinal tract, which can occur after BDP. While foul-smelling flatus can be uncomfortable and indicative of gastrointestinal disturbances, it may not require immediate intervention.
D. Poor night vision may suggest vitamin deficiencies, particularly deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, which can occur after BDP due to reduced absorption of nutrients. While poor night vision should be addressed to prevent long-term complications, it may not pose an immediate threat to the client's health.
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