This case study discusses the differential diagnosis that must be considered in patients presenting symptoms suggestive of Herpes Zoster, and first line management strategies for Herpes Zoster. After the completion of this case study, learners will be able to recognize patho-physiology, clinical presentation and physical findings of an older adult with Herpes Zoster.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University College of Nursing (HIGN), with generous funding from the John A. Hartford Foundation, developed these case studies to facilitate the transition to Adult-Gerontology APRN education as described in The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education. One of the major goals of this project is to provide Primary and Acute Care Adult NP faculty, Adult CNS faculty, and other faculty who prepare NPs or CNSs to care for older adults, (e.g. FNPs, WHNPs, Women’s Health CNSs), with multiple resources and strategies to assist them in making this transition.