A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed hydroxychloroquine. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further education regarding the medication?
I can safely receive live vaccines while taking hydroxychloroquine.
I should undergo a routine eye exam during the first year and regularly afterward.
I can consume unlimited amounts of alcohol while on hydroxychloroquine since it has no known interactions
If I experience visual changes while taking this medication, it is important to report it to my healthcare provider immediately.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Hydroxychloroquine is not a strong immunosuppressant, so most live vaccines are generally considered safe. Patients should still consult their healthcare provider before receiving vaccines, but this statement does not indicate a misunderstanding requiring further education.
B. Hydroxychloroquine has the potential to cause retinal toxicity, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected early. Baseline ophthalmologic exams during the first year of therapy, followed by regular follow-ups (usually annually), are recommended to monitor for early retinal changes. Patient understanding of this precaution shows correct knowledge.
C. Although hydroxychloroquine does not have a direct interaction with alcohol, excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of liver toxicity and may exacerbate other side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort. Patients should be educated to limit alcohol consumption and discuss safe limits with their healthcare provider. This is particularly important for patients taking long-term therapy, as liver monitoring may be required.
D. Visual changes, such as blurred vision, difficulty reading, or changes in color perception, may indicate early retinal toxicity. Prompt reporting allows early intervention and prevention of permanent damage. Patient understanding of this is accurate and demonstrates appropriate safety awareness.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Rationale:
The client’s symptoms of morning stiffness, symmetrical joint involvement (hands and knees), swelling of proximal interphalangeal joints, and elevated ESR and CRP with a positive rheumatoid factor are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune condition causes chronic inflammation of synovial joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased function.
Encouraging range of motion exercises helps maintain joint flexibility, prevent contractures, and improve mobility in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Administering anti-inflammatory medications reduces joint inflammation, alleviates pain, and slows disease progression.
Monitoring pain level provides insight into the effectiveness of treatment and the client’s functional status. Assessing joint swelling helps evaluate the degree of inflammation and progression or improvement of the disease.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Platelets are highly perishable and cannot be safely stored or administered over such an extended period. Administering platelets after many hours increases the risk of bacterial contamination and reduced efficacy.
B. While faster administration is generally better, platelets are typically infused more quickly than red blood cells, but 2 hours per unit is slower than recommended for pooled platelets. Delays can reduce platelet viability and therapeutic benefit.
C. Platelets are most effective when transfused quickly after preparation to maintain function and reduce the risk of bacterial growth. The recommended administration time for pooled platelets is 30–60 minutes per unit. Rapid infusion ensures prompt hemostatic effect, which is critical in clients with severe thrombocytopenia.
D. This timeframe is acceptable for red blood cell transfusions, but platelets are much more sensitive to storage time and should not exceed 4 hours once the unit is issued. Delays compromise platelet function and patient safety.
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