A client who suffered an electrical injury with the entrance site on the left hand and the exit site on the left foot is admitted to the burn unit. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?

Choice A reason: Thick skin plaques topped by silvery white scales are characteristic findings in psoriasis vulgaris itself and do not indicate overexposure to PUVA treatment. These plaques are a result of rapid skin cell turnover and are typically the target of treatment, not a side effect of overexposure.

Choice B reason: The requirement for sunglasses because sunlight hurts the eyes is not a specific indication of overexposure to PUVA treatment. While PUVA therapy can increase sensitivity to light, the use of sunglasses is a preventive measure and does not necessarily indicate overexposure.

Choice C reason: Brown, rough, greasy, wart-like papules on the face suggest the presence of seborrheic keratosis or another benign skin condition, not overexposure to PUVA treatment. These lesions are unrelated to the therapy and do not serve as an indicator of overexposure.

Choice D reason: Tenderness upon palpation and generalized erythema are signs of overexposure to PUVA treatment. Overexposure can lead to phototoxic reactions, resulting in skin irritation, redness, and tenderness. These symptoms indicate that the client has received too much UV radiation during the treatment, leading to an adverse reaction.

Choice A reason: Distinguishing the difference between herpes varicella and herpes zoster is important for client education. Herpes varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) are caused by the same virus, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues and can reactivate years later as shingles. Educating the client about the relationship between these two conditions helps in understanding the risk and nature of shingles.

Choice B reason: Explaining that the risk of developing shingles decreases with age is incorrect. In fact, the risk of developing shingles increases with age, especially in individuals over 50. The immune system's ability to keep the varicella-zoster virus dormant decreases with age, leading to a higher likelihood of reactivation as shingles. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate for client education.

Choice C reason: Affirming that a person with shingles has a history of chickenpox infection is accurate. Shingles occurs when the dormant varicella-zoster virus reactivates in someone who has previously had chickenpox. This information helps the client understand the connection between past chickenpox infection and the potential for developing shingles.

Choice D reason: Asking the client to describe the type of shingles that her brother has is not relevant to the client's own risk or education about shingles. The focus should be on providing accurate information about shingles and its relation to chickenpox, not on the details of another person's condition.

Choice E reason: Instructing the client to report the development of fatigue and low-grade fever is important because these can be early symptoms of shingles. Early identification and treatment of shingles can help manage symptoms and reduce complications. Educating the client on what to watch for and when to seek medical attention is crucial for effective management.