A client receives a prescription for methotrexate. Which information provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?
Obtain a platelet count weekly.
Take the medication during pregnancy.
Use folic acid to protect the liver.
Store the medication at room temperature.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Obtain a platelet count weekly: Regular monitoring of platelet counts is important for clients on methotrexate due to the risk of bone marrow suppression and potential thrombocytopenia. This instruction is appropriate and necessary.
B. Take the medication during pregnancy: Methotrexate is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its teratogenic effects and potential to cause fetal harm. It is crucial for clients to avoid using methotrexate while pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
C. Use folic acid to protect the liver: While folic acid is often used to help reduce the side effects of methotrexate, particularly its gastrointestinal effects and potential for liver toxicity, it is not used to "protect the liver" per se. The correct approach is to use folic acid as directed by a healthcare provider, often to mitigate some of the side effects of methotrexate.
D. Store the medication at room temperature: Methotrexate should be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, which usually involve keeping it at room temperature. This information is correct and does not require additional instruction.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Instruct the client that since the hematocrit remains low, the daily injections are still necessary: A hematocrit of 43% is within the normal range, suggesting the client’s anemia is improving. If the hematocrit were still low, continuing daily injections would be appropriate, but this is not the case here.
B. Notify the healthcare provider of the client’s hematocrit level so the frequency of injections can be reduced: Since the hematocrit is normal, there is no need to notify the healthcare provider specifically for changing the injection frequency based solely on the hematocrit level. Reducing injection frequency should be based on the overall treatment plan and not just the current hematocrit.
C. Advise the client that the medication is having the desired effect, but daily injections will continue to be needed for life for this chronic condition: While the medication may be effective, informing the client about the potential for less frequent injections could improve adherence and reduce discomfort, if the healthcare provider approves.
D. Offer to instruct the client in self-administration techniques to improve the client's sense of control over the painful daily injections: Teaching self-administration can empower the client and potentially reduce discomfort by allowing the client to become more comfortable with the process. It also offers the opportunity for the client to manage their injections more conveniently and with greater control.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Determine if the client is taking the medication before meals: While the timing of medication relative to meals can affect absorption, this action assumes a specific problem without first clarifying the client's concerns. It's important to understand the nature of the client's issue before assessing medication administration.
B) Ask if his morning voiding is dark colored: Dark-colored urine may be a side effect of some medications, but this is a less direct approach to understanding why the client feels the medication is not working. It does not directly address the effectiveness of the medication.
C) Explore what the client means by the drug not working: This is the most appropriate initial intervention. Understanding the client's perception and specific concerns about the medication's effectiveness will guide further actions, such as assessing medication adherence, side effects, or the need for a medication adjustment.
D) Evaluate the client for signs of dyskinesia: While assessing for dyskinesia is important, it is more of a specific follow-up step. The priority is to understand the client's concerns about the medication's overall effectiveness before focusing on specific side effects.
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