Question

Nurse makes med surg unit assignments. LPN assigned to client with localized herpes zoster. LPN tells nurse "i have never had chickenpox" which response by nurse is most appropriate?

- use standard precautions when caring for this pt
- you will be fine, airborne precautions needed
- your client assignment will be changed
- why are you concerned about providing care for this pt?

Answer 1

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.