A young adult calls the clinic to ask for a prescription for a new flu drug.

He says he has had the flu for almost 4 days and just heard about a drug that can reduce the symptoms.

What is the nurse’s best response to his request?

Choice A rationale:

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. It is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles. However, it is not typically used as an anti-HIV drug.

Choice B rationale:

Ribavirin is an antiviral medication used to treat hepatitis C and certain other viral infections. While it has broad-spectrum antiviral activity, it is not specifically used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Choice C rationale:

Foscarnet is an antiviral medication used to treat or prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in individuals with AIDS. It is also used to treat cold sores and genital herpes. However, it is not the first-line choice for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Choice D rationale:

Zidovudine, also known as AZT, is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is generally safe for use during pregnancy and is commonly used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV12. It works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, thereby blocking viral replication. The use of Zidovudine and other antiretroviral drugs in pregnant women with HIV has significantly reduced the rate of mother-to-child transmission of the virus.

Choice A rationale:

Providing written pamphlets for instruction can be a useful supplement, but it may not be the most effective method for teaching a skill like self-injection of insulin. This is because it lacks the hands-on practice and immediate feedback that can be crucial for learning a new physical skill.

Choice B rationale:

After demonstrating the procedure, allowing the patient to do several return demonstrations is considered one of the best methods for teaching a skill like self-injection of insulin. This approach, often referred to as “see one, do one, teach one,” allows the patient to observe the correct technique, practice it themselves, and then demonstrate their understanding by teaching it back. This method is particularly effective because it engages the patient in active learning and provides opportunities for immediate feedback and correction.

Choice C rationale:

Showing a video and allowing the patient to practice as needed on his own can be helpful, but it may not be as effective as other methods. This is because it lacks the immediate feedback and personalized instruction that can be provided in a one-onone teaching session. Additionally, practicing “as needed” may not provide the consistent repetition needed to master a new skill.

Choice D rationale:

Verbally explaining the procedure and providing written handouts for reinforcement can be effective, but it may not be sufficient for teaching a skill like self-injection of insulin. This is because it lacks the hands-on practice that is crucial for learning a new physical skill. Additionally, relying solely on verbal explanation and written handouts may not address all learning styles.