What is an appropriate nursing response to an AP inquiring about the contagious nature of herpes zoster?

The appropriate nursing response emphasizes that herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is not contagious to individuals who have previously had chickenpox. This is because herpes zoster arises from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the body after a person has experienced chickenpox. Those who have had chickenpox carry immunity to the virus, so they are not at risk of contracting herpes zoster from someone else who has it.

Understanding this aspect of the disease is important for public health and infection control measures, as it helps differentiate between vulnerability and immunity. The correct choice reinforces the idea that individuals who are already immune to chickenpox through previous infection or vaccination are not at risk of becoming infected with herpes zoster, thus minimizing unnecessary fears or isolation protocols in a healthcare setting.