(Select all that apply) A nurse is providing care to a client diagnosed with shingles. Which of the following complications are associated with shingles?

Choice A rationale:

Topical corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in various skin conditions, but they are not the best option for managing pain associated with shingles (herpes zoster) Corticosteroids primarily target inflammation and do not provide effective pain relief in neuropathic pain, which is characteristic of shingles.

Choice B rationale:

Antibiotics are not useful for managing the pain caused by shingles. Shingles is a viral infection, not a bacterial one, so antibiotics would not be effective in reducing pain or preventing secondary infection.

Choice C rationale:

Starting antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, within 72 hours of rash onset is essential for managing shingles. These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness and may also decrease the risk of developing complications like postherpetic neuralgia.

Choice D rationale:

Topical capsaicin is an appropriate option for neuropathic pain relief in shingles. Capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, works by desensitizing the nerve endings and reducing pain signals. However, it may cause a burning sensation initially, and the client should be advised on proper application and hand hygiene afterward.

Choice A rationale:

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is not useful in confirming the diagnosis of chickenpox. CBC provides information about the number and types of blood cells but is not specific to chickenpox diagnosis.

Choice B rationale:

Stool culture is not relevant in confirming the diagnosis of chickenpox. Stool culture is used to identify gastrointestinal infections, and it is not associated with chickenpox.

Choice C rationale:

Tzanck smear and viral culture from vesicle fluid are useful in confirming the diagnosis of chickenpox. Tzanck smear involves taking a sample from the vesicle and staining it to identify multinucleated giant cells, which are characteristic of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. Viral culture involves growing the VZV in a lab to confirm the presence of the virus.

Choice D rationale:

Urinalysis is not relevant in confirming the diagnosis of chickenpox. Urinalysis is used to assess kidney function and detect urinary tract infections, but it does not help in diagnosing chickenpox.