A nurse is assessing an older patient and notes a cluster of fluid-filled vesicles on the right thoracic area. The nurse suspects HZ. The patient asks the nurse, "I really don't understand how I got shingles. I don't even know anyone who has this infection." The nurse includes which of the following in formulating a response to the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

HZ is a viral infection caused by a reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox) within the sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion, decades after the initial varicella zoster infection is established. HZ is infectious until the lesions are completely crusted over. Individuals do not have to have direct contact with someone who has either chickenpox or HZ in order to have a reactivation; other factors such as illness and stress can cause the reactivation. Individuals who have HZ infection were previously exposed to the varicella zoster virus.

A Nurse Is Assessing an Older Patient and Notes a Cluster