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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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.

A Patient, Age 63, Has Cancer of the Left Breast