The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has been prescribed gabapentin 300 mg by mouth (PO) three times a day for postherpetic neuralgia. Which symptom should the nurse tell the client to report to the healthcare provider?

Choice A reason:

Instructing the client to obtain a prescription for oral terbinafine is the most appropriate action. Oral terbinafine is an antifungal medication that is effective in treating fungal infections of the toenails. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, leading to the resolution of the infection. Topical treatments are often insufficient for toenail fungal infections because they do not penetrate the nail bed effectively.

Choice B reason:

Advising the client to obtain a prescription-strength formulation of the ointment is not the best approach. While prescription-strength topical antifungals can be more effective than OTC options, they still may not penetrate the nail bed adequately to treat the infection. Oral antifungals are generally more effective for toenail infections.

Choice C reason:

Suggesting that the client use the ointment twice a day to be more effective is not recommended. Increasing the frequency of application of an ineffective treatment is unlikely to yield better results. The client needs a more effective treatment option, such as an oral antifungal.

Choice D reason:

Reassuring the client that treatment of fungus-infected toenails often takes several months is true but does not address the issue of using an ineffective treatment. While it is important to set realistic expectations about the duration of treatment, the client needs to be directed towards a more effective treatment option.

Choice A Reason:

While monitoring temperature is important for overall health assessment, it is not the most critical vital sign to check first in the context of opioid-induced lethargy. Opioids primarily affect the respiratory system, and respiratory depression is a significant risk. Therefore, temperature is not the priority in this scenario.

Choice B Reason:

Respiratory rate is the most critical vital sign to check first. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. A decreased respiratory rate is a key indicator of opioid overdose or severe side effects. Monitoring the respiratory rate allows the nurse to assess the severity of the respiratory depression and take immediate action if necessary.

Choice C Reason:

Pulse rate is also an important vital sign, but it is secondary to respiratory rate in this context. While opioids can affect heart rate, the immediate concern with opioid-induced lethargy is respiratory depression. Therefore, checking the respiratory rate takes precedence over the pulse rate.

Choice D Reason:

Blood pressure is another vital sign that should be monitored, but it is not the first priority in this situation. Opioids can cause hypotension, but the primary and most immediate concern is respiratory depression. Therefore, the respiratory rate should be assessed first to ensure the client’s airway and breathing are adequate.