A nurse is caring for a client who has herpes zoster.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

Providing mittens might prevent scratching and subsequent skin damage, but it does not address the underlying cause of the pruritus, which is likely residual irritation from the scabies treatment or the scabies mites themselves. While preventing secondary infection from scratching is important, alleviating the itch is the priority for client comfort.

Choice B rationale

Encouraging the client to gently rub the affected area can actually worsen the pruritus. Rubbing can stimulate nerve endings in the skin, further intensifying the sensation of itching and potentially leading to skin irritation and excoriation. Gentle patting or cool compresses are generally more soothing for itchy skin.

Choice C rationale

Applying additional scabicide after the initial treatment is usually not indicated for pruritus following scabies treatment, unless there is evidence of ongoing infestation. Pruritus can persist for several weeks after successful treatment due to the inflammatory response of the skin to the dead mites and their products. Overuse of scabicides can cause further skin irritation.

Choice D rationale

Assisting the client to take a cool shower can help to relieve pruritus by causing vasoconstriction of the superficial blood vessels and reducing the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators in the skin. The cool temperature can also have a soothing effect on the nerve endings, temporarily alleviating the sensation of itching.

Choice A rationale

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which play a protective role in the gastric mucosa by promoting mucus and bicarbonate secretion, maintaining mucosal blood flow, and inhibiting acid secretion. Chronic NSAID use can disrupt these protective mechanisms, leading to mucosal damage and increasing the risk of peptic ulcer formation.

Choice B rationale

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting. While vomiting can cause esophageal damage and dental erosion due to stomach acid exposure, it is not a direct risk factor for peptic ulcer disease.

Choice C rationale

Moderate alcohol consumption, such as a glass of wine with dinner, has not been consistently shown to be a significant risk factor for peptic ulcer disease. While excessive alcohol intake can irritate the gastric mucosa, moderate consumption is generally not considered a primary cause.

Choice D rationale

Green tea contains antioxidants and has some anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have not shown a link between green tea consumption and an increased risk of peptic ulcer disease; in fact, some research suggests potential protective effects on the gastric mucosa. .