Five months following treatment for herpes zoster, an older adult client tells the home health nurse of continuing to experience pain where the rash occurred. Which action should the nurse implement?
Teach the client about phantom pain symptoms.
Perform a complete mental status exam.
Determine if the client has had a shingles vaccination.
Complete an assessment of the client's pain.
The Correct Answer is D
D. Persistent pain following the resolution of herpes zoster, known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), is a common complication, especially in older adults. PHN can cause significant discomfort and affect the client's quality of life. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the client's pain to better understand its characteristics, severity, duration, aggravating or alleviating factors, and impact on daily activities.
A. Patient education should follow a complete assessment of the pain to ascertain the diagnosis.
B. Performing a complete mental status exam is not indicated solely based on the client's report of persistent pain from herpes zoster.
C. Determining if the client has had a shingles vaccination is important for preventive healthcare, but it is not the priority action in addressing the client's current pain concern related to PHN. The focus should be on assessing and managing the client's pain to improve their comfort and well-being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. This assessment finding may be within the normal range for blood pressure, but it does not directly indicate the effectiveness of the antihistamine medication for Ménière's disease. Antihistamines are not typically prescribed to directly affect blood pressure.
B. While maintaining adequate oxygen saturation is important for overall health, this finding is not specific to the management of Ménière's disease with antihistamine medication. Antihistamines are not typically prescribed to directly affect oxygen saturation levels. Therefore, this finding may not directly indicate the effectiveness of the medication for Ménière's disease.
C. Headache rated at 0 on a 0 to 10 scale is not specific to vertigo.
D. Ambulating easily without vertigo is relevant for assessing the effectiveness of the antihistamine medication for Ménière's disease. Vertigo, characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness, is a hallmark symptom of Ménière's disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Frequent mouth care helps maintain oral hygiene, reduces the risk of infection, and provides comfort to the client by removing debris and soothing irritated tissues.
A. Administering a topical analgesic may provide pain relief, but it should be done in accordance with the healthcare facility's protocol and after assessing the client's oral mucosa for any contraindications or precautions.
B. Cleaning the tongue and mouth with swabs can cause further irritation to the already sore oral tissues.
C. Obtaining a soft diet for the client is appropriate for minimizing trauma to the oral mucosa, but it may not address the immediate discomfort experienced by the client.
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.
