What is the primary nursing diagnosis associated with shingles?

The primary nursing diagnosis associated with shingles is alteration in comfort: pain. Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, often results in significant pain due to the rash and inflammation affecting the nerves. This pain can be sharp, burning, or throbbing and often precedes the appearance of the rash itself. Managing this pain is a critical aspect of nursing care, as it can severely impact a patient's quality of life.

When assessing a patient with shingles, the priority is to address their comfort level and implement strategies for pain management. This may include pharmacological interventions, such as medications for neuropathic pain, and non-pharmacological approaches, such as soothing baths or cooling compresses. While issues like risk for infection and impaired skin integrity may also be concerns due to the nature of the shingles rash, immediate and significant discomfort due to pain takes precedence in the care plan. Additionally, education about the condition is important, but addressing pain is more urgent in the context of effective symptom management.