(Select all that apply) A nurse is providing care to a client diagnosed with shingles. Which of the following complications are associated with shingles?

Choice B rationale:

Bell's palsy is a known complication of shingles (herpes zoster) The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox, remains dormant in the body and can reactivate as shingles later in life. Shingles can affect the facial nerve, leading to Bell's palsy, characterized by facial muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.

Choice D rationale:

Postherpetic neuralgia is another complication associated with shingles. It is a persistent, severe pain that continues after the rash has healed, caused by nerve damage during the shingles infection. Choices A, C, and E rationales: Congestive heart failure (choice A), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (choice C), and acute pancreatitis (choice E) are not directly related to shingles. These conditions are not commonly known as complications of shingles or the varicella-zoster virus infection.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should not advise the patient to apply iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol to the wound. These substances can be irritating to the wound and delay the healing process.

Choice B rationale:

Cleaning and debriding the wound as soon as possible is an essential action to prevent infection and promote healing. Removing debris and foreign material from the wound reduces the risk of contamination and infection.

Choice C rationale:

Using non-sterile instruments for wound care is not appropriate. The nurse should emphasize the importance of using clean and sterile instruments to prevent introducing additional bacteria into the wound.

Choice D rationale:

Administering the Td vaccine (Tetanus and Diphtheria) for prophylaxis is a crucial action to protect the patient from tetanus, especially in contaminated wounds where tetanus spores might be present.

Choice E rationale:

Proper disposal of animal feces is crucial to avoid exposure to tetanus spores. Tetanus spores can be found in soil contaminated with animal feces and can enter the body through open wounds, leading to a serious and potentially fatal infection.