PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

Which intervention should a nurse include in a pain management plan for a client with herpes zoster?

1. Keep bed linens off the affected areas

2. Apply warm, moist compresses to the affected areas

3. Position a heat lamp over the lower extremities

4. Initiate droplet isolation precautions

The correct answer is: Keep bed linens off the affected areas

Including the intervention of keeping bed linens off the affected areas in a pain management plan for a client with herpes zoster is critical because this condition is characterized by a painful rash that can become sensitive to touch. Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, causes a painful, blistering rash that follows a dermatomal pattern. Maintaining this type of bedding can help prevent additional irritation of the affected skin and minimize discomfort, thereby assisting in overall pain relief. When bed linens press against the lesions or the affected skin, it can exacerbate pain and discomfort. Therefore, ensuring that these areas remain free from pressure or irritation is important in managing the client’s pain effectively. While warm, moist compresses could potentially offer soothing relief for some skin conditions, in the case of herpes zoster, this intervention might not provide the same level of benefit and could possibly irritate the blisters. Positioning a heat lamp over the lower extremities doesn't specifically address the pain management needs associated with the manifesting symptoms of herpes zoster and poses a risk of burns or further irritation. Initiating droplet isolation precautions is not relevant since the primary focus for pain management in herpes zoster does not entail infection control measures related to respiratory secretions.