Which action by the nurse indicates understanding of herpes zoster?
A. The nurse covers the lesions with a sterile dressing.
B. The nurse wears gloves when providing care.
C. The nurse administers a prescribed antibiotic.
D. The nurse administers oxygen.
Correct Answer: B. The nurse wears gloves when providing care.
Herpes zoster is shingles. Clients with shingles should be placed in contact precautions. Wearing gloves during care will prevent transmission of the virus. Use universal precautions in caring for the client to prevent transmission of disease to self or other clients. VZV can be transmitted to others and cause chickenpox in the person who has not previously had the disease.
Option A: Covering the lesions with a sterile gauze is not necessary. Suggest the use of gauze to separate the lesions in skin folds. This reduces irritation, itching, and cross-contamination. Teach contact isolation. VZV is spread by contact with fluid from lesions containing viruses.
Option C: Antibiotics are not prescribed for herpes zoster. Instruct the client in the use of antiviral medications, as prescribed. Antiviral agents are most effective during the first 72 hours of an outbreak when viruses are proliferating. Drugs of choice are acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir.
Option D: Oxygen is not necessary for shingles. Instruct the client to avoid contact with pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. Active lesions can be infectious, and immunosuppressed individuals are more susceptible.