Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Which treatments are typically indicated for shingles?

1. Topical steroids and antihistamines

2. Calamine lotion, oatmeal bath, and anti-viral medications

3. Ice packs and oral analgesics

4. Moisturizers and antibiotics

The correct answer is: Calamine lotion, oatmeal bath, and anti-viral medications

The indicated treatments for shingles primarily focus on alleviating symptoms, reducing the duration of the virus, and preventing complications. Antiviral medications are a crucial component of the treatment plan for shingles, as they can help to reduce the severity and length of the outbreak if administered within the appropriate time frame after the onset of symptoms. In addition to antiviral medications, soothing treatments such as calamine lotion and oatmeal baths are often recommended to relieve itching and discomfort associated with the rash. These topical applications provide a comforting effect on the skin, helping to reduce irritation and promote healing. The combination of these strategies—antiviral medications to combat the virus and topical treatments for symptom relief—best addresses the management of shingles, making this option the most appropriate choice in a clinical context. Other options, such as the use of topical steroids and antihistamines, do not typically form part of the standard care for shingles, as they may not effectively address the viral component or provide the necessary symptom relief. Similarly, while ice packs and oral analgesics might provide temporary pain relief, they do not address the underlying viral infection. Lastly, antibiotics would not be indicated unless there is a secondary bacterial infection, as shingles itself is caused by a viral infection.