The nurse is caring for a client who takes methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis and receives a prescription for adalimumab. Which instructions should the nurse provide the client?
Avoid crowds and people who are sick.
Undergo annual eye examinations.
Obtain routine vaccinations as scheduled.
Have a chest x-ray prior to your first dose.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Avoiding crowds and people who are sick is crucial for clients taking methotrexate and adalimumab. Both medications suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant that can reduce the body’s ability to fight infections. Adalimumab, a TNF inhibitor, also lowers the immune response, making clients more susceptible to infections. Therefore, avoiding exposure to potential sources of infection is essential to prevent serious health complications.
Choice B reason:
While undergoing annual eye examinations is important for overall health, it is not directly related to the use of methotrexate and adalimumab. Methotrexate can cause ocular side effects, but these are relatively rare. Regular eye exams are a good practice but not the most critical instruction in this context.
Choice C reason:
Obtaining routine vaccinations is generally recommended for clients on immunosuppressive therapy. However, live vaccines should be avoided as they can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. Non-live vaccines, such as the flu shot, are safe and should be administered according to the vaccination schedule. This instruction is important but secondary to avoiding exposure to infections.
Choice D reason:
Having a chest x-ray prior to the first dose of adalimumab is necessary to check for latent tuberculosis (TB). Adalimumab can reactivate latent TB, so screening is essential before starting the medication. However, this is a one-time requirement and not an ongoing instruction like avoiding crowds and sick people.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Performing a bladder scan is useful for assessing urinary retention, which can be a symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, it is not the primary method for monitoring adverse reactions to tamsulosin. Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 blocker that relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow. While it can help reduce urinary retention, the primary concern with tamsulosin is its effect on blood pressure.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring blood pressure is crucial because tamsulosin can cause orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops significantly when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. Regular monitoring of blood pressure helps detect and manage this potential adverse reaction, ensuring the client’s safety.
Choice C reason:
Obtaining daily weights is important for monitoring fluid balance and detecting conditions like heart failure or kidney disease. However, it is not directly related to the adverse reactions of tamsulosin. The primary concern with tamsulosin is its impact on blood pressure, not fluid retention.
Choice D reason:
Assessing urine output is important for evaluating the effectiveness of tamsulosin in relieving urinary symptoms associated with BPH. However, it is not the primary method for monitoring adverse reactions. The main adverse reaction to be aware of with tamsulosin is its potential to cause orthostatic hypotension, making blood pressure monitoring the priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical action when a patient is in cardiac arrest or not breathing. However, in this scenario, the client is experiencing severe respiratory depression due to opioid overdose, and the first line of treatment is to administer naloxone. If the client does not respond to naloxone, then CPR may be necessary, but the immediate step is to address the opioid toxicity.
Choice B Reason:
Preparing to assist with chest tube insertion is not relevant in this context. Chest tubes are typically used to treat conditions like pneumothorax or pleural effusion. The client’s symptoms are due to opioid-induced respiratory depression, which requires naloxone administration rather than chest tube insertion.
Choice C Reason:
Administering a second dose of naloxone is the appropriate action. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression. Given the client’s critically low respiratory rate and oxygen saturation, a second dose of naloxone is necessary to counteract the opioid effects and restore normal breathing.
Choice D Reason:
Determining the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is useful for assessing the level of consciousness, but it does not directly address the immediate need to reverse the opioid-induced respiratory depression. The priority is to administer naloxone to improve the client’s respiratory status. Once the client is stabilized, further assessments, including the GCS score, can be conducted.
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