Question

An older adult client is diagnosed with severe shingles and starts a new prescription for acyclovir, an antiviral medication. Which action should the nurse include during client teaching prior to discharge?

Answer 1

The nurse should educate the client about the correct use of acyclovir, potential side effects, and the importance of not discontinuing the medication without consulting a healthcare provider. The client should understand that acyclovir is not a cure and that hygiene and avoiding contact with lesions is important to prevent virus spread.

Step-by-step explanation:

An older adult client diagnosed with severe shingles who is starting a new prescription for acyclovir, an antiviral medication, should be taught several important measures. First, the nurse should inform the client about the importance of taking the medication exactly as prescribed to effectively manage the infection and reduce the risk of complications.

Since acyclovir works by keeping the virus in its dormant phase and reducing symptoms, it should not be discontinued without consulting a healthcare provider, as the condition may return to its original severity. The client should also be warned of possible side effects and be instructed on signs to watch for that may indicate adverse reactions or complications.

Finally, it is important for the client to understand that while acyclovir helps manage symptoms, it is not a cure for herpes zoster virus and the virus remains latent in the nervous tissue for life. Therefore, maintaining good hygiene and avoiding direct contact with the lesions to prevent spreading the virus to others is crucial.