A nurse is assessing an older patient and notes a cluster of fluid-filled vesicles on the right thoracic area. The nurse suspects HZ (Herpes Zoster). The patient asks the nurse. "I really don't understand how I got shingles. I don't even know anyone who has this infection." The nurse includes which of the following in formulating a response to the patient?
HZ is caused by a reactivation of dormant varicella zoster virus within the sensory neuron of the dorsal root ganglion
HZ is caused by the same virus as chickenpox and requires direct contact with an individual with HZ
HZ is caused by the same virus as chickenpox and requires exposure to an individual with active chickenpox
HZ is caused by the varicella zoster virus and occurs only in individuals who were never previously exposed to the virus
The Correct Answer is A
A. Herpes Zoster (HZ), or shingles, is caused by reactivation of the dormant varicella zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia and can reactivate later in life, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
B. While HZ and chickenpox share the same virus, reactivation does not require direct contact with someone else with HZ.
C. HZ does not require exposure to someone with active chickenpox—it arises from within the individual due to reactivation.
D. HZ occurs only in individuals who have previously been exposed to varicella zoster virus (usually through chickenpox or the vaccine), not in those who have never been exposed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A perforated eardrum typically causes sudden hearing loss, pain, or drainage from the ear, and usually affects one ear—not both.
B. Otosclerosis is a hereditary condition involving abnormal bone growth in the middle ear that leads to conductive hearing loss, usually starting in one ear and affecting younger adults.
C. Tinnitus is characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears, not by gradual, bilateral hearing loss or difficulty hearing in noisy environments.
D. Presbycusis is age-related sensorineural hearing loss that occurs gradually in both ears. It commonly involves difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds and distinguishing speech in noisy environments—exactly as described by the client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Basal cell carcinomais the most common malignant skin cancer, especially in fair-skinned individuals with frequent sun exposure. It grows slowly and rarely metastasizes.
B. Melanomais less common but more aggressive and more likely to metastasize, making it the most dangerous type, but not the most common.
C. Squamous cell carcinomais the second most common form of skin cancer, but less common than basal cell carcinoma.
D. Actinic keratosisis a precancerous lesion, not a malignant cancer, although it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if untreated.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.