A patient, age 63, has cancer of the left breast. After a modified radical mastectomy, she has been receiving chemotherapy. Her grandson, who visited a few days ago, now has varicella (chickenpox)
The nurse should observe her carefully for signs of a. herpes zoster.
b. herpes simplex type I.
c. herpes simplex type II.
d. impetigo.
A
Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (Herpes varicella). The greatest risk occurs to patients who have a lowered resistance to infection, such as those on chemotherapy or large doses of prednisone, in whom the disease could be fatal because of the patient's compromised immune system.
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The patient is undergoing lab work and ultrasound for a possible diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Which problem does the nurse expect to find in the patient's history?
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A) Lung disorders B) Renal disorders C) Infections D) Thyroid disorders
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