Final answer:
The nurse should change the LPN's client assignment to protect the LPN who has never had chickenpox from potential exposure to the varicella-zoster virus from a patient with shingles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate response for a nurse whose LPN has never had chickenpox and is assigned to a client with localized herpes zoster is to change the client assignment.
This is because herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.
A person who has never had chickenpox or has not been vaccinated against it is at risk of developing chickenpox when exposed to a patient with shingles, as it represents the first infection with the virus.
In most healthcare settings, standard precautions are implemented; however, if a staff member is not immune to varicella, it is important to consider changing the assignment to protect the staff member's health.
The varicella-zoster virus is highly contagious and can cause severe complications, especially in adults.