A client is seeking information about the varicella vaccine (Varivax) What should the nurse inform the client about the vaccine?

Choice A rationale:

Postherpetic neuralgia is a potential complication of shingles. It occurs when nerve pain persists even after the rash has healed and can be a long-term and debilitating condition.

Choice B rationale:

Cranial nerve palsies can be a complication of shingles when the herpes zoster virus affects the cranial nerves, leading to neurological symptoms and complications.

Choice C rationale:

Bacterial superinfection is not a common complication of shingles. Shingles is caused by a viral infection, and while bacterial superinfection can occur if there is a secondary bacterial infection of the skin lesions, it is not a primary concern.

Choice D rationale:

Reye syndrome is not associated with shingles or its treatment. Reye syndrome is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects children recovering from viral infections, particularly those who have taken aspirin.

Choice E rationale:

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.

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.