A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has herpes zoster. The nurse should include which of the following statements in the teaching?

A. This is the correct answer. Herpes zoster (shingles) results from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in nerve tissue after a prior chickenpox infection. Factors such as stress, trauma, aging, or immunosuppression can weaken the immune system and trigger reactivation, making this an important teaching point for the client. B. Although many clients experience healing of skin lesions within several weeks, recovery time varies. Some clients develop postherpetic neuralgia, which can persist for months or even years. Stating a definite recovery timeline may provide false reassurance. C. This statement is incorrect. A client with herpes zoster can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to individuals who have never had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated, potentially causing chickenpox—not shingles—in those individuals. D. While the virus is transmitted through direct contact with fluid from open lesions, the client is considered contagious until all lesions have crusted over, not solely when active drainage is observed. This statement is incomplete and may lead to improper infection-control practices.