Herpes Zostershingles An acute viral infection of nerve

Herpes Zoster(shingles): An acute viral infection of nerve structure caused by varicella zoster.

Pathophysiology • After exposure to the varicella virus, it lays dormant in the dorsal spinal nerves indefinitely. • After years, and a possible decline in the immune system, the virus spreads to the peripheral nerves of the sensory dermatomes causing shingles. • Lesions follow dermatomes along the trunk of the body.

Risk Factors/Causes: • Chicken pox • Debilitating disease • Cytotoxic drugs • Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Signs/Symptoms: • • • Neuralgia Malaise Pruritus Burning Erythema Fever Anorexia Paresthesia Unilaterally clustered skin vesicles along the peripheral sensory nerves on the trunk, thorax, or face.

Lab/Diagnostics Tests: • Antinuclear antibody: positive • Skin cultures and stains

Medical Treatments: • • Cool compresses Tepid baths Bed cradle Analgesic Antipruritic Steroids Corticosteroids Antiviral

Complications: • • Infection Chronic pain Post herpetic neuralgia Ophthalmic herpes zoster Facial paralysis Vertigo Tinnitus Loss of Hearing

Nursing Diagnosis: • Pain • Depression • Risk-impaired skin integrity

Nursing Interventions: • • • Assess neurovascular Assess cranial nerves Assess pain level Monitor vital signs Give medication as prescribed by M. D.