herpes zoster Flashcards
describe herpes zoster
its an viral infection
what does herpes zoster initially produce and what happens after it is produced
produces chickenpox, after which the virus lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia of the
sensory nerves.
what happens later in life after previous infection with chickenpox and it laying dormant
reactivated as shingles
what is shingles proceeded by
prodromal period of several
days, during which pain, tingling, or burning might occur along the
involved dermatome
risk factors for shingles
Concurrent illness
●● Stress
●● Compromise to the immune
system
●● Fatigue
●● Poor nutritional status
describe shingles and older adults
are more
susceptible to herpes zoster
infection.
The immune function of
older adults might also be
compromised, —assess them
carefully for local or systemic signs
of infection
expected findings of herpes zoster
Paresthesia
●● Pain that is unilateral and extends
horizontally along a dermatome
who should not be around people who are infected with chickenpox
infants, pregnant women who have not had
chickenpox, and clients who are immunocompromised
what is the laboratory test for chickenpox
cultures
what do cultures provide
definitive diagnosis
medications for shingles/chickenpox
Analgesics (NSAIDs, narcotics)
antiviral agents
what do analgesics do
enhance client comfort
give an example of antiviral agents and what does it do
acyclovir, can shorten
the
clinical course
what are the complications of analgesics and antiviral agents in older adults
Postherpetic neuralgia
depression
what is Postherpetic neuralgia
pain that persists for longer than 1 month
following resolution of the vesicular rash
common in adults older than 60 years of
age
