Return to course: NICE CKS Question Banks
Previous Lesson
Previous
Next
Next Lesson
Shingles (PG)
Return to
Course Curriculum
1. Which treatment may be used for postherpetic neuralgia?
*
Antibiotic ointment
Isotretinoin
Furosemide
Gabapentin
2. What is a key distinguishing feature of shingles compared to chickenpox?
*
Generalised rash
High fever
Dermatomal distribution
Oral lesions
3. What is shingles?
*
Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus
Bacterial infection of the skin
Primary varicella infection
Fungal infection of the scalp
4. Which complication is associated with shingles involving the facial nerve?
*
Temporal arteritis
Bell’s palsy
Ramsay Hunt syndrome
Cluster headaches
5. Which dermatomes are most commonly affected by shingles?
*
Thoracic
Sacral
Occipital
Cervical
6. What is the typical appearance of the shingles rash?
*
Unilateral, dermatomal vesicular rash
Annular scaly plaques
Bilateral maculopapular rash
Target lesions
7. Which cranial nerve is affected in herpes zoster ophthalmicus?
*
Glossopharyngeal (CN IX)
Trigeminal (CN V)
Hypoglossal (CN XII)
Facial (CN VII)
8. What precaution is important when prescribing antivirals for shingles?
*
Give IV only
Must be taken after 7 days of rash
Avoid use in elderly
Dose adjustment in renal impairment
9. What is Hutchinson's sign?
*
Hyperpigmented scars
Vesicles on tip of nose indicating ocular involvement
Bilateral rash distribution
Swollen lymph nodes
10. Which of the following is a preventative measure for shingles?
*
Antibiotics
Calamine lotion
Zoster vaccine
NSAIDs
11. What is the recommended antiviral treatment for shingles?
*
Ciprofloxacin
Aciclovir
Amoxicillin
Fluconazole
12. Which group is at increased risk for shingles?
*
Young children
Older adults and immunocompromised
Athletes
Pregnant women only
13. What should be done for an immunocompromised patient with shingles?
*
Topical emollients only
OTC antihistamines
Urgent referral and IV antivirals
No treatment necessary
14. When is antiviral therapy most effective for shingles?
*
Anytime during illness
Within 72 hours of rash onset
Before pain begins
After rash crusts over
15. How is shingles diagnosed clinically?
*
By blood cultures
Routine skin biopsy
Nasopharyngeal swab
Physical examination alone
16. What is postherpetic neuralgia?
*
Chronic pain persisting after rash resolution
Tingling in the fingertips
Visual hallucination
Sudden paralysis
17. Which symptom typically precedes the rash in shingles?
*
Localized pain or tingling
High fever
Abdominal cramps
Severe itching all over
18. What advice should be given to someone with active shingles?
*
Increase salt intake
Use sunscreen regularly
Avoid contact with pregnant women and immunocompromised
Take daily vitamin D
19. Which of the following is a common complication of shingles in the elderly?
*
Fibromyalgia
Cerebral palsy
Diabetic neuropathy
Postherpetic neuralgia
20. What is the likely cause of shingles in a vaccinated individual?
*
Primary infection
Genetic mutation
Latent virus reactivation
New exposure