Which people have the greatest risk for serious complications secondary to herpes zoster infection? Select all that apply.
Healthy middle-aged adult who never had chickenpox
Older adult who lakes large doses of prednisone for a chronic condition
Middle-aged adult who just started taking chemotherapy
Nurse who recently received the first dose of varicella vaccine
Young adult who is positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV):
Correct Answer : B,C,E
A. Healthy middle-aged adult who never had chickenpox:
This individual has not had chickenpox, which means they are susceptible to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. If they contract herpes zoster (shingles), they are at risk for complications, although typically healthy adults are less likely to experience severe complications compared to immunocompromised individuals or older adults.
B. Older adult who takes large doses of prednisone for a chronic condition:
Chronic corticosteroid use, such as prednisone, can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of herpes zoster infection. Additionally, if herpes zoster develops in an older adult, they are at higher risk for complications such as postherpetic neuralgia (persistent nerve pain), bacterial superinfection of the rash, and dissemination of the virus.
C. Middle-aged adult who just started taking chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. If a person undergoing chemotherapy develops herpes zoster, they are at increased risk for serious complications due to their weakened immune response.
D. Nurse who recently received the first dose of varicella vaccine:
The varicella vaccine is designed to prevent chickenpox and reduce the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) in vaccinated individuals. Therefore, a nurse who received the varicella vaccine is less likely to experience serious complications from herpes zoster infection compared to those who are unvaccinated.
E. Young adult who is positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV):
Individuals with HIV have a weakened immune system, increasing their susceptibility to infections, including herpes zoster. Moreover, herpes zoster in HIV-positive individuals can be more severe, prolonged, and may lead to complications such as disseminated herpes zoster, involving multiple organs and potentially becoming life-threatening.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Excessive scarring:
Excessive scarring is not an example of a first-degree burn. It typically occurs in more severe burns that affect deeper layers of the skin, such as second-degree or third-degree burns. Second-degree burns extend into the dermis, while third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin and can lead to significant scarring. First-degree burns, on the other hand, only affect the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and usually do not result in excessive scarring.
B. Blistering from flames:
Blistering from flames is more characteristic of a second-degree burn rather than a first-degree burn. Second-degree burns involve damage to both the epidermis and part of the dermis, which can result in blister formation. These burns are often caused by direct contact with flames, hot liquids, or steam.
C. Blackened dead skin:
Blackened dead skin is indicative of a third-degree burn, which is the most severe type of burn. Third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and sometimes underlying tissues. The skin may appear charred or blackened, and these burns often require medical intervention, such as skin grafting, due to the extent of tissue damage.
D. A sunburn:
A sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn. It occurs due to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, leading to redness, pain, and mild swelling of the skin. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and typically heal within a few days without significant scarring or blistering. Applying soothing lotions, staying hydrated, and avoiding further sun exposure can help manage sunburns.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Superficial infections are caused by fungus.
While fungal infections can indeed cause superficial skin infections like tinea (ringworm) or candidiasis, they are not the common factor for the etiology and pathophysiology of folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles. These conditions primarily involve bacterial infections of the hair follicles, typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
B. Parasites get underneath the skin.
Parasitic infections can cause various skin conditions, but they are not the common factor for folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles. These conditions are specifically related to bacterial infections of the hair follicles rather than parasitic infestations.
C. Hair follicles are infected or inflamed.
This is the correct choice and the common factor for folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles. All three conditions involve the infection or inflammation of hair follicles, primarily due to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles, furuncles are deeper infections involving the hair follicle and surrounding tissue, and carbuncles are clusters of interconnected furuncles with deeper tissue involvement.
D. There is an allergic response to an allergen.
An allergic response to an allergen does not play a role in the etiology and pathophysiology of folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles. These conditions are primarily infectious in nature, involving bacterial colonization and subsequent inflammation of the hair follicles rather than an allergic response.
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