A female client with multiple sclerosis reports having less fatigue and improved memory since she began using the herbal supplement, ginkgo biloba. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan for this client?

Choice D reason: Probenecid is a uricosuric drug that increases the excretion of uric acid in the urine by inhibiting its reabsorption in the kidneys. Uric acid is a waste product that results from the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods and drinks, such as meat, seafood, beer, and wine. Probenecid is used to treat gout, a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints and cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness. By lowering uric acid levels in the blood, probenecid can prevent gout attacks and reduce joint damage.

Choice A reason: Increasing the strength of the urine stream is not a purpose of probenecid, but rather a possible effect of some medications that relax or dilate the urinary tract muscles, such as alpha-blockers or anticholinergics. These medications can help to improve urinary flow and reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate gland, which can cause difficulty urinating or weak urine stream.

Choice B reason: Preventing the formation of kidney stones is not a purpose of probenecid, but rather a potential benefit of some medications that lower calcium or oxalate levels in the urine, such as thiazide diuretics or potassium citrate. These medications can help to prevent calcium oxalate stones, which are one of the most common types of kidney stones. Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.

Choice C reason: Decreasing pain and burning during urination is not a purpose of probenecid, but rather a desired outcome of some medications that treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as antibiotics or phenazopyridine. These medications can help to eliminate the bacteria that cause UTIs and relieve the discomfort and inflammation that they cause. UTIs are infections that affect the bladder, urethra, or kidneys and can cause frequent or urgent urination, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and fever.

Choice B reason: Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that can treat anthrax, a serious bacterial infection that can affect the skin, lungs, or digestive system. Ciprofloxacin can cause tendonitis or tendon rupture, especially in older adults or those who take corticosteroids. Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is a tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendon rupture is the tearing or breaking of a tendon. These conditions can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving the affected area. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to report any tendon pain or swelling to the healthcare provider immediately and stop taking ciprofloxacin until further evaluation.

Choice C reason: Increasing fluid intake while taking the medication is an instruction that should be included in the teaching plan, because ciprofloxacin can cause crystalluria, or the formation of crystals in the urine. Crystalluria can lead to kidney stones, kidney damage, or urinary tract obstruction. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to drink at least 2 liters of water per day while taking ciprofloxacin to prevent crystalluria and maintain kidney function.

Choice E reason: Limiting exposure to sunlight and avoiding tanning beds is an instruction that should be included in the teaching plan, because ciprofloxacin can cause photosensitivity, or increased sensitivity to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light. Photosensitivity can result in sunburn, rash, blisters, or skin discoloration. Therefore, the nurse should recommend the client to limit exposure to sunlight and avoid tanning beds while taking ciprofloxacin and for several days after finishing the course. The nurse should also suggest the client to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen when outdoors.

Choice A reason: Crushing and mixing the tablets with pudding if you have trouble swallowing the tablets is not an instruction that should be included in the teaching plan, but rather a contraindicated practice that can reduce the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin and increase its side effects. Ciprofloxacin tablets have a special coating that protects them from stomach acid and allows them to dissolve slowly in the intestine. Crushing them will destroy their coating and make them dissolve faster in the stomach. This can cause stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced absorption of ciprofloxacin into the bloodstream. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to swallow the tablets whole and not chew or crush them.

Choice D reason: Using NSAIDs to relieve mild joint aches and pains caused by the medication is not an instruction that should be included in the teaching plan, but rather a risky behavior that can increase the risk of adverse effects from ciprofloxacin. NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. However, NSAIDs can also interact with ciprofloxacin and increase its concentration in the blood. This can lead to toxicity and serious side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, confusion, or liver damage. Therefore, the nurse should caution the client to avoid using NSAIDs while taking ciprofloxacin and consult with their healthcare provider before taking any other medications.