A patient who is HIV-positive has been receiving medication therapy that includes zidovudine.

The prescriber has decided to stop the zidovudine due to its dose-limiting adverse effect.

Which of these conditions is the dose-limiting adverse effect of zidovudine therapy?

Choice A rationale:

While it’s important for the client’s family to be aware of the disease and take precautions, they do not necessarily need to take medications to prevent infection. Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease, but it typically requires close and prolonged contact to spread. Family members should be tested for TB, and if they test positive, then treatment would be necessary.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer. A typical course of treatment for TB involves 6 to 9 months of consistent medication use. This is because TB bacteria die very slowly, and medications need to be taken for several months to ensure that all the bacteria are killed. If treatment is stopped too soon, some bacteria may survive and become resistant to the drugs.

Choice C rationale:

It’s not accurate to say that medications will need to be taken for the rest of the client’s life. While TB treatment is lengthy, it does not continue indefinitely. Once the full course of treatment is completed and the disease is cured, further medication is not typically necessary.

Choice D rationale:

The Mantoux test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, is used to determine whether a person has TB infection. However, the test can remain positive for a long time, even after successful treatment. Therefore, medications should not be taken until the Mantoux test is negative. Instead, the duration of treatment is determined by the healthcare provider based on various factors, including the patient’s response to the medication.

Choice A rationale:

Constipation is not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. In fact, one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is increased bowel movement. This is due to the increased metabolic rate caused by the overproduction of hormones from the thyroid gland.

Choice B rationale:

Weight gain is not a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. On the contrary, weight loss is one of the symptoms of this condition. This is because hyperthyroidism speeds up the body’s metabolism, causing increased calorie burning and significant weight loss. Choice C rationale:

Sensitivity to cold is not a symptom of hyperthyroidism. Instead, individuals with hyperthyroidism often have an increased sensitivity to heat. This is due to the increased metabolic rate which can cause excessive sweating and hot flashes.

Choice D rationale:

Frequent mood changes are a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. The overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland can lead to symptoms such as irritability and restlessness. Additionally, other symptoms such as difficulty sleeping can also contribute to mood changes.