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Chickenpox/Shingles


- Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a type of herpesvirus that infects humans.

- Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that usually occurs in childhood, characterized by a generalized vesicular rash, fever, malaise, and pruritus.

- Shingles is a reactivation of the latent VZV in the dorsal root ganglia of the sensory nerves, resulting in a painful, unilateral, dermatomal rash that follows the course of the affected nerve.

- Both chickenpox and shingles can have serious complications, such as bacterial skin infections, eye infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and increased risk of stroke.

- The best way to prevent chickenpox and shingles is to get vaccinated with the varicella vaccine (Varivax) or the herpes zoster vaccine (Shingrix).

Questions on Chickenpox/Shingles

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The Tdap vaccine is not administered every 5 years during adulthood. As mentioned earlier, adults receive a single dose of Tdap and then a Td booster every 10 years.

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

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.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Complications of both chickenpox and shingles include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and postherpetic neuralgia (persistent nerve pain following shingles) These complications can be serious and require medical attention.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The risk of transmission during reactivation (shingles) is higher than during primary infection (chickenpox) Shingles can cause the development of vesicles containing the virus, which can be contagious if someone comes into direct contact with the fluid from the vesicles. Primary chickenpox, on the other hand, spreads through respiratory droplets and is more widespread during the initial infection.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Giving the Td vaccine every 5 years is not the correct approach. The recommended schedule for Td booster doses is every 10 years, not every 5 years.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Standard precautions are used for all patients to prevent the transmission of infections from both recognized and unrecognized sources. However, for specific diseases like shingles, additional precautions like contact precautions are also required.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Varivax is not recommended only for healthcare workers. It is recommended for certain groups, including children, adolescents, and adults who have not had chickenpox or received the vaccine. Healthcare workers might be among the targeted groups due to their increased risk of exposure, but it is not limited to them.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]

Explanation

Suggesting regular booster doses of DTP vaccine during adulthood is an effective measure in preventing tetanus. The DTP vaccine provides immunity against tetanus, and regular boosters are recommended to maintain protection throughout life.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

<p>Type 2 diabetes (choice D) is not a common complication of chickenpox. Diabetes can increase the risk of infection, but it is not directly related to chickenpox.</p>

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

No explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Allowing the child to play outside may not be the best approach to distract them from itching. It is crucial to prevent the child from scratching the rash to avoid secondary bacterial infections and scarring. Engaging the child in indoor activities and providing distractions that do not involve scratching would be a safer approach.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Topical capsaicin is an appropriate option for neuropathic pain relief in shingles. Capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, works by desensitizing the nerve endings and reducing pain signals. However, it may cause a burning sensation initially, and the client should be advised on proper application and hand hygiene afterward.

Asthma is not a complication associated with shingles. Shingles is a viral infection that primarily affects the skin and nerves and does not involve the respiratory system.

Urinalysis is not relevant in confirming the diagnosis of chickenpox. Urinalysis is used to assess kidney function and detect urinary tract infections, but it does not help in diagnosing chickenpox.

Increasing physical activity is not advised for a client with chickenpox, as this could lead to the spread of the virus to others and may worsen the symptoms and pruritus.

Eye involvement is a potential complication of shingles, particularly if the herpes zoster virus affects the ophthalmic nerve, leading to eye pain, redness, and sometimes vision problems. Immediate medical attention is required in such cases to prevent complications that could lead to vision loss.

<p>Isolating the patient until all lesions are crusted over is a crucial nursing intervention to prevent transmission of the chickenpox virus. Chickenpox is highly contagious, primarily spread through respiratory droplets and contact with the fluid from the skin lesions. By isolating the patient unt

<p>Encouraging oral hygiene and a soft diet is important, especially if the patient has oral lesions, to promote comfort and prevent secondary infections.</p>

Saying that "the virus can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours" is incorrect. The varicella-zoster virus is relatively fragile and cannot survive for extended periods on surfaces outside the body. It is primarily transmitted through direct contact or respiratory droplets.

(Incorrect) The herpes zoster vaccine (shingles vaccine) is not given to children under 10 years old. It is recommended for adults aged 50 years and older or for individuals with certain risk factors.

(Incorrect) While reporting cases of chickenpox or shingles to local health authorities is important for surveillance purposes, it is not a preventive measure for individual protection.

(Incorrect) Providing educational materials only to the patient is not sufficient. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient's family members or caregivers about chickenpox precautions and care to prevent further transmission of the virus.

The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. This statement is generally correct. Pregnant women should avoid receiving the varicella vaccine because it is a live attenuated vaccine, and there is a theoretical risk of transmission to the fetus. If a woman is not immune to varicella and is plan

Allergic to gelatin or neomycin. This statement is correct. The varicella vaccine contains trace amounts of gelatin and neomycin. Individuals with severe allergies to these components should not receive the vaccine to avoid potential allergic reactions. Tuberculosis.
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