Herpes Zoster in Older Adults: An Educational Approach

• Clinical management phases of herpes zoster are addressed
• Patient education for older adults is important to patient satisfaction
• Education includes treatment options, pain management, self-care, and prevention

Patients presenting with herpes zoster often have misconceptions of the pathophysiology and treatment options. Educating patients is a prime action of the treatment plan and can enhance patient satisfaction with the care they receive from the nurse practitioner. Realistically, nurse practitioners work within limited time with each patient; thus, patient education often loses priority. This article offers information of the clinical management of herpes zoster and recommendations for practical educational approaches that can be timely managed to help patients understand herpes zoster.