Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Herpes Zoster – Shingles

Lesson Objective for Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Nursing Care Plan

• Understand the Pathophysiology:
  • Explain the pathophysiology of herpes zoster, including the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, its impact on nerve fibers, and the development of characteristic skin lesions.
• Identify Etiological Factors:
  • Recognize and analyze the etiological factors that contribute to the development of herpes zoster, such as a history of chickenpox, immunocompromised status, and advancing age.
• Establish Desired Outcome:
  • Define the desired outcomes of the nursing care plan, including pain management, prevention of complications, and promotion of healing to enhance the patient’s quality of life during and after the shingles episode.
• Conduct Comprehensive Nursing Assessment:
  • Perform a thorough nursing assessment to identify the patient’s symptoms, pain level, psychological impact, and any potential complications. This assessment guides the development of an individualized care plan.
• Develop and Implement Holistic Care Strategies:
  • Formulate and implement a comprehensive nursing care plan that encompasses pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for pain relief, skin care, emotional support, and patient education on managing and preventing recurrences.

Pathophysiology of Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

 

• Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Reactivation:
  • Herpes zoster is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a primary infection (chickenpox), the virus remains dormant in sensory nerve ganglia.
• Triggering Factors:
  • Reactivation often occurs when the immune system weakens due to factors such as aging, stress, immunosuppression, or other medical conditions, allowing the virus to travel along sensory nerves and reach the skin.
• Neurological Involvement:
  • The virus primarily affects sensory nerves, leading to inflammation and irritation. This results in the characteristic pain, tingling, or burning sensations experienced by individuals with herpes zoster.
• Dermatomal Distribution:
  • The virus follows a dermatomal distribution, affecting a specific segment of the skin supplied by a single sensory nerve. This is why shingles typically presents as a painful rash or blisters in a specific area on one side of the body.
• Skin Lesions and Complications:
  • As the virus travels down the nerve fibers to the skin, it causes the development of vesicles and characteristic skin lesions. Complications may include postherpetic neuralgia, scarring, and, in severe cases, ocular involvement if the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve is affected.

Etiology of Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

 

• Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Primary Infection:
  • Herpes zoster is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which initially infects individuals during primary exposure to chickenpox. After the primary infection, the virus remains latent in sensory ganglia.
• Virus Reactivation:
  • Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus occurs when the immune system is compromised, allowing the virus to escape from its dormant state and travel along sensory nerves to the skin.
• Risk Factors for Reactivation:
  • Aging is a significant risk factor for herpes zoster as the immune system weakens with age. Other risk factors include stress, immunosuppression (e.g., due to HIV or immunosuppressive medications), and certain medical conditions.
• Immunosuppression:
  • Conditions or treatments that suppress the immune system, such as chemotherapy, organ transplantation, or autoimmune diseases, increase the risk of varicella-zoster virus reactivation.
• Close Contact with Varicella or Herpes Zoster Patients:
  • Close contact with individuals who have active varicella (chickenpox) or herpes zoster lesions can expose susceptible individuals to the virus and increase the risk of reactivation.

Desired Outcome for Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

 

• Pain Relief:
  • Alleviate acute pain associated with the shingles rash, which can be severe and persistent. The goal is to enhance the individual’s comfort and quality of life.
• Prevention of Complications:
  • Minimize the risk of complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), bacterial skin infections, and ocular involvement. Timely and appropriate management contributes to reducing potential complications.
• Shorten Duration of Illness:
  • Promote the resolution of the acute phase of herpes zoster, aiming to minimize the duration of the illness. Early antiviral treatment can contribute to achieving this outcome.
• Prevent Secondary Transmission:
  • Reduce the risk of secondary transmission of the varicella-zoster virus to susceptible individuals, especially those who have not been previously exposed or immunized. This involves appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Improve Quality of Life:
  • Enhance the overall quality of life for individuals affected by herpes zoster by addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and psychosocial impact of the illness.

Herpes Zoster – Shingles Nursing Care Plan

 

Nursing Assessment for Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

 

• History of Present Illness:
  • Obtain a detailed account of the onset and progression of symptoms, including the appearance of the rash, associated pain, and any factors that may have triggered the outbreak.
• Pain Assessment:
  • Assess the severity, location, and character of pain, as well as any factors that worsen or alleviate the pain. Utilize a pain scale for accurate measurement.
• Skin Examination:
  • Inspect the affected areas for the characteristic rash, which often presents as a unilateral, painful, and vesicular eruption along a dermatomal distribution. Document the extent and appearance of lesions.
• Neurological Assessment:
  • Evaluate sensory function in the affected dermatomes, looking for signs of hyperesthesia or hypoesthesia. Assess motor function if applicable, as motor nerves can be affected.
• Vital Signs:
  • Monitor vital signs regularly, especially in older adults or individuals with underlying health conditions, to identify signs of systemic involvement or complications.
• Ocular Assessment:
  • If lesions are present on the face, assess for ocular involvement. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus can lead to serious complications, including vision impairment.
• Psychosocial Assessment:
  • Evaluate the impact of the illness on the individual’s mental and emotional well-being. Shingles can be emotionally distressing, especially if complications such as postherpetic neuralgia occur.
• Immunization History:
  • Inquire about the individual’s immunization history, specifically regarding varicella-zoster virus vaccination. This information helps determine the likelihood of recurrent episodes.

Implementation for Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

 

• Pain Management:
  • Administer prescribed analgesics to alleviate pain, considering the use of medications such as antiviral agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and, in some cases, opioids.
• Topical Treatments:
  • Apply prescribed antiviral or analgesic topical agents to the affected areas to help reduce discomfort and promote healing. Follow proper hygiene measures during application.
• Isolation and Infection Control:
  • Implement isolation precautions to prevent the spread of the varicella-zoster virus, especially if the individual is in a healthcare setting. Educate the patient on personal hygiene practices to minimize transmission.
• Wound Care:
  • Provide meticulous care for open lesions, including keeping the affected areas clean and dry. Instruct the patient on proper wound care techniques to prevent secondary infections.
• Education and Support:
  • Educate the patient about the nature of the illness, including its course, potential complications, and the importance of completing the prescribed antiviral medication. Offer emotional support and address any concerns or questions.

Nursing Interventions and Rationales

 

• Assess pain level
  • Note location and quality of pain
  • Duration
  • Non-verbal clues
  • Relieving factors

• Apply cool moist dressings to lesions while in vesicle stage. Discontinue once lesions begin to crust.

• Administer medications and apply topical steroids, antihistamines and analgesics as necessary

• Assess for signs / symptoms of bacterial infections on skin and obtain culture and sensitivity test as indicated

• Initiate contact precautions
  • Wear and encourage visitors to wear appropriate PPE
  • Limit visitors, especially those who may be at high risk (elderly, pregnant, infants, anyone who has not had chickenpox or chickenpox vaccine)
  • Cluster care and anticipate needs

• Assess for changes in vision and rash on forehead or nose

Evaluation for Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

 

• Pain Assessment:
  • Regularly assess the intensity and nature of pain using appropriate pain scales. Evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed analgesics in managing pain and make adjustments as needed.
• Healing Progress:
  • Monitor the healing process of lesions and affected areas. Assess for signs of resolution, reduction in redness, and the absence of new vesicles to determine the effectiveness of the treatment plan.
• Infection Control:
  • Evaluate the success of infection control measures by assessing whether there are any new cases of varicella-zoster virus transmission, especially in healthcare settings or among close contacts of the affected individual.
• Patient Education:
  • Assess the patient’s understanding of the disease, its potential complications, and the importance of completing the prescribed antiviral medication. Address any misconceptions or concerns and reinforce key educational points.
• Psychosocial Well-being:
  • Evaluate the patient’s emotional well-being and coping mechanisms throughout the course of the illness. Assess for signs of anxiety or depression and provide additional support or referrals to mental health services if necessary.

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References

• https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/herpesviruses/herpes-zoster#v1019800
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054
• https://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/1101/p1723.html