Question

The nurse administers an oral antiviral to a client with shingles. Which finding is most important for the nurse report to the health care provider?

Answer 1

The nurse should report any adverse reactions or lack of improvement from the oral antiviral treatment for shingles to the healthcare provider. Antivirals like valacyclovir are important in reducing symptoms and preventing complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. Monitoring and reporting are critical in effective shingles management and containment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is related to the management of shingles, a condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. When administering an oral antiviral such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir, the most important finding that a nurse must report to the healthcare provider is any sign of an adverse reaction or lack of improvement in the shingles symptoms. Antivirals are used to reduce the severity and length of symptoms, as well as the risk of postherpetic neuralgia, which is pain that persists after the shingles rash has cleared.

The nurse should closely monitor the client for any unusual symptoms and report these immediately to the healthcare provider. It is crucial to ensure that the medication is working effectively and that the client is not experiencing any complications that require additional medical intervention. Additionally, understanding that shingles can be very painful and the virus is contagious to those who haven't had chickenpox or the vaccine, proper reporting and management are vital in controlling the spread and severity of the infection.