Answer Key with Explanations for the Shingles True/False patient assessment:
True – Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
False – Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, usually adults and older adults.
True – The rash usually appears on one side of the body in a stripe pattern.
True – Pain, tingling, or burning often start before the rash appears.
False – Scratching can cause infection and slow healing; it should be avoided.
True – Antiviral medicines work best if started within 72 hours of rash onset.
True – Some people have long-lasting nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia.
True – The shingles vaccine lowers the risk of getting shingles and reduces severity.
True – Avoid contact with pregnant women, babies, and immune-weakened people while rash is active.
False – Alcohol can interfere with medicines and slow healing; it should be avoided during treatment.
True – Good hygiene helps prevent spreading the virus to others.
False – Shingles can cause rash, pain, fever, headache, and fatigue.
True – It is possible, though uncommon, to get shingles more than once.
False – The rash usually appears on one side, not both.
True – Eye involvement can cause serious problems including vision loss.
False – Infections need to be reported and treated to avoid complications.
True – Stress can trigger reactivation of the virus causing shingles.
False – Sharing towels or clothing can spread the virus to those who haven’t had chickenpox.
True – Pain medicines help manage the discomfort from shingles.
True – Rest and good nutrition support healing and immune function.