A nurse is providing care to a patient with TB undergoing treatment. What nursing intervention is essential to monitor the patient's response to therapy and identify any complications?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should monitor vital signs, pain level, neurological status, and eye function for a client with shingles to assess for any complications or worsening of the condition. Vital signs may indicate signs of infection, pain level may help assess the effectiveness of pain management, neurological status can indicate any neurological complications, and eye function is important as shingles affecting the ophthalmic nerve can lead to eye complications.

Choice B rationale:

Administering medications as prescribed is crucial to manage the symptoms and complications of shingles. Antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak, while pain medications may be necessary to alleviate discomfort. The nurse should also monitor for adverse effects to ensure the client's safety during treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Isolating the patient until all lesions are crusted over is necessary to prevent the spread of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles. Direct contact with vesicles can lead to transmission of the virus to susceptible individuals, particularly those who have not had chickenpox or received the varicella vaccine.

Choice E rationale:

Providing comfort measures is essential in managing the symptoms of shingles. Cool compresses can help relieve pain and inflammation, loose clothing can prevent irritation of the affected area, distraction techniques can divert the client's attention from discomfort, and relaxation methods can help reduce stress and promote healing.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to scratch the affected area is not appropriate care for shingles. Scratching can lead to skin damage, increase the risk of infection, and potentially worsen the condition. It is essential to advise against scratching and promote gentle care of the affected area instead.

Choice A rationale:

Young adults between 20 to 30 years of age are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) compared to other age groups. This age range often includes individuals who may be exposed to TB in various settings, such as college or university students, individuals in the workforce, and those who may engage in behaviors that increase the risk of TB transmission, such as socializing in crowded places.

Choice B rationale:

Children under the age of 5 are also considered a high-risk group for TB, especially in regions with a high prevalence of the disease. However, in many settings, young adults between 20 to 30 years of age have shown higher rates of TB infection and disease compared to young children.

Choice C rationale:

Elderly individuals over the age of 65 are generally considered at higher risk for developing severe complications from TB, but their risk of primary TB infection is lower compared to younger age groups, including young adults between 20 to 30 years of age.

Choice D rationale:

Pregnant women, like the elderly, are at higher risk of severe complications if they develop TB during pregnancy. However, the incidence of TB is generally lower in pregnant women compared to young adults between 20 to 30 years of age, who are more socially active and likely to encounter TB-exposed individuals.