A frail, older adult home health patient who had chickenpox as a child has been exposed to varicella (chickenpox) several days ago. What should the nurse do?
a. Assess frequently for herpes zoster
b. Be aware of the patient's immunity to chickenpox
c. Encourage the patient to have a pneumonia vaccine
d. Arrange for the patient to receive gamma globulin
ANS: 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, aging, or receiving large doses of prednisone, in whom the disease could be fatal because of the patient's compromised immune system.
You might also like to view...
A nursing instructor is preparing a class that will describe aspirin. Which of the following would the instructor include about aspirin's effects on platelets? Select all that apply
A) Aspirin increases platelet aggregation. B) Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation. C) Aspirin shortens bleeding time. D) The effect of aspirin on platelets is irreversible. E) The effect of aspirin on platelets is reversible.
A client with diabetes asks the nurse why it is so important to exercise several times a week. Which is the best response by the nurse?
1. "Exercise helps to increase blood sugar levels, so the body needs less food." 2. "Exercise increases the use of insulin in the body, so it requires less insulin." 3. "Exercise helps reduce high ketone levels, so the body stays healthier." 4. "Exercise brings down high sugar levels, so the body needs less food."
The nurse is reviewing the normal limits of a hearing examination for a patient who presents with decreased hearing. Which of the following findings would indicate the need for additional investigation?
a. Bone conduction is heard twice as long as air conduction with the Rinne test. b. The tympanic membrane observed with the otoscope is pearly gray. c. Sound is heard equally in both ears with the Weber test. d. Words whispered from a distance of 2 feet are repeated by the patient.
Work group disruption has been shown to be linked to negative outcomes. What are some factors that can contribute to work group disruptions (select all that apply)?
a. Budget constraints b. Multidisciplinary attendance c. Reorganization d. Absenteeism e. Turnover