A patient admitted to the hospital after a motorcycle crash that has left him paralyzed from the waist down tells the nurse he has feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. What other feelings may the patient have that should be recognized?

A. Herpes zoster virus usually is permanently disabling to healthy adults. Herpes zoster (shingles) can cause significant pain and discomfort, but it is not typically permanently disabling to healthy adults.
B. The pain experienced by most patients is typically described as "dull and aching." The pain associated with herpes zoster is usually described as sharp, burning, or stabbing rather than dull and aching.
C. There is usually a rash that occurs in the thoracic region. The rash associated with herpes zoster often appears in a dermatomal distribution, commonly in the thoracic region, following a nerve pathway on one side of the body.
D. Analgesics are often prescribed for pain; however, steroids are usually avoided because of the immune system suppression. While analgesics are commonly prescribed for pain management in herpes zoster, steroids may be used in certain cases to reduce inflammation, particularly if there is nerve involvement. The use of steroids should be carefully considered based on the patient’s overall health and immune status.

A. Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone and does not directly impact the skeletal changes affecting lung function.

B. Osteoporosis: While osteoporosis affects bone density and may cause fractures, it is not specifically linked to changes in lung function related to skeletal changes.

C. Kyphosis: Kyphosis, or excessive curvature of the thoracic spine, can compress the thoracic cavity and reduce lung expansion, which impacts effective air exchange in COPD patients.

D. Arthritis: Arthritis affects joint function but does not have a direct impact on the skeletal changes that alter lung function like kyphosis does.