A client has been receiving treatment with antineoplastic drugs that depress the bone marrow.
Which preadministration assessment would be most important for the nurse to complete with respect to this effect?

Choice A rationale:

Wear protective clothing and sunscreen when outside. Rationale: Sulfonamide antibiotics, a type of medication mentioned in the question, can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, leading to photosensitivity reactions. To reduce the effects of photosensitivity, the client should be instructed to wear protective clothing that covers the skin and to apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) when going outdoors. This helps shield the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and other adverse reactions.

Choice B rationale:

Increase fluid intake. Rationale: Increasing fluid intake is a general recommendation for clients taking sulfonamide antibiotics to minimize the risk of crystalluria, a side effect that can result from inadequate hydration. Crystalluria is the formation of crystals in the urine and can lead to kidney stones. While staying hydrated is essential, it is not specifically related to reducing photosensitivity, which is the focus of this question.

Choice C rationale:

Avoid lights while indoors. Rationale: Avoiding lights while indoors is not a standard precaution to reduce the effects of photosensitivity caused by sulfonamide antibiotics. Photosensitivity primarily refers to the skin's heightened sensitivity to sunlight. Being indoors under regular lighting conditions should not significantly impact photosensitivity. The key precautions are related to outdoor sun exposure.

Choice D rationale:

Wear protective footwear. Rationale: Wearing protective footwear is not a standard precaution to reduce photosensitivity effects caused by sulfonamide antibiotics. Photosensitivity primarily affects the skin, not the feet. While protective footwear may be recommended in specific situations, such as in a construction or industrial setting, it is not directly related to reducing the risk of photosensitivity reactions.

Choice A rationale:

Ginger Ginger is not typically used to prevent or relieve symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is more commonly known for its anti-nausea properties and may be used for gastrointestinal discomfort, but it is not a well-known remedy for UTIs.

Choice B rationale:

Feverfew Feverfew is an herbal remedy often used for headaches and migraines, not for UTIs. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is not typically associated with urinary tract health.

Choice C rationale:

Saw palmetto Saw palmetto is sometimes used for symptoms related to the prostate, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but it is not commonly associated with preventing or relieving UTI symptoms. Its primary use is for male reproductive health, not UTIs.

Choice D rationale:

Cranberry Cranberry is a well-known and widely recognized natural remedy for preventing and relieving symptoms of UTIs. It is believed to help by preventing the adhesion of bacteria to the urinary tract wall, making it easier for the body to flush out the bacteria. It is important for the client to be aware of this option, as cranberry products, such as cranberry juice or supplements, can be a helpful adjunct to treatment or prevention of UTIs.