The nurse is caring for a client with herpes zoster. The nurse documents the lesions as:

• A. maculopapular rash on the palms and soles
• B. grouped vesicles on an erythematous base following a dermatomal pattern
• C. bullae with honey-colored crusts
• D. pustules scattered over the entire body

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the clinical presentation of herpes zoster. Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and typically presents as grouped vesicles on an erythematous (red) base.
2. Step 2: Recognize the characteristic distribution pattern. The lesions usually follow a dermatomal pattern, meaning they appear along the sensory nerve distribution on one side of the body, not crossing the midline.
3. Step 3: Differentiate herpes zoster lesions from other types of skin lesions. For example, maculopapular rashes are flat and raised spots, bullae are large fluid-filled blisters often associated with other conditions, and pustules contain pus and are scattered in infections like chickenpox or bacterial infections.
4. Step 4: Match the description to the correct documentation. Since herpes zoster lesions are grouped vesicles on an erythematous base following a dermatomal pattern, this is the accurate way to document the lesions.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the other options (maculopapular rash on palms and soles, bullae with honey-colored crusts, pustules scattered over the entire body) do not fit the typical presentation of herpes zoster and are more characteristic of other dermatological conditions.