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?
Undergo annual eye examinations.
Have a chest x-ray prior to your first dose.
Avoid crowds and people who are sick.
Obtain routine vaccinations as scheduled.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Undergo annual eye examinations:
While methotrexate and adalimumab can both have potential ocular side effects, such as blurred vision or eye pain, the need for annual eye examinations is more commonly associated with methotrexate therapy. Methotrexate can cause ocular toxicity, including retinopathy and optic neuropathy, which necessitates regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist. However, adalimumab is not typically associated with annual eye examinations, so this instruction is not directly relevant to the addition of adalimumab to the client’s regimen.
B) Have a chest x-ray prior to your first dose:
A chest x-ray is not routinely required before initiating adalimumab therapy. While screening for tuberculosis (TB) may be necessary in clients starting adalimumab due to its immunosuppressive effects, a chest x-ray is not always indicated for this purpose. Instead, TB screening usually involves a thorough history, physical examination, and possibly tuberculin skin testing or interferon-gamma release assays. Therefore, this instruction is not specifically related to the addition of adalimumab to the client’s treatment regimen.
C) Avoid crowds and people who are sick:
Adalimumab is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that suppresses the immune system’s inflammatory response by targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). As a result, clients taking adalimumab are at increased risk of infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Therefore, instructing the client to avoid crowds and individuals who are sick helps reduce the risk of exposure to infectious pathogens and minimize the likelihood of developing infections while on adalimumab therapy.
D) Obtain routine vaccinations as scheduled:
While maintaining up-to-date vaccinations is important for overall health and immunity, clients receiving biologic DMARDs like adalimumab may have a reduced response to vaccines due to immunosuppression. Therefore, it is generally recommended to administer necessary vaccinations before starting adalimumab therapy whenever possible. However, the decision to administer vaccines should be individualized, and certain live vaccines may be contraindicated while receiving adalimumab. Nonetheless, this instruction is not directly related to the addition of adalimumab to the client’s medication regimen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Sodium level 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L):
The sodium level within the reference range does not indicate a vitamin D overdose. Sodium levels are typically not affected by vitamin D overdose.
B) Total calcium level 12 mg/dL (3 mmol/L):
This finding suggests a possible vitamin D overdose. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption from the intestines. Excessive vitamin D intake can lead to increased calcium absorption, resulting in hypercalcemia. Elevated calcium levels can lead to various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, and confusion. Monitoring calcium levels is essential in individuals with suspected vitamin D overdose.
C) Total bilirubin 4 mg/dL (68.4 μmol/L):
Elevated bilirubin levels typically indicate liver dysfunction or hemolysis. It is not directly related to vitamin D overdose.
D) Serum glucose 170 mg/dL (9.4 mmol/L):
Elevated glucose levels suggest hyperglycemia, which can occur due to various factors such as diabetes mellitus or stress response. It is not directly related to vitamin D overdose.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Stop the oral contraceptive immediately:
This instruction is incorrect and potentially harmful. Suddenly stopping oral contraceptives can lead to unintended pregnancy and disrupt the client's menstrual cycle. It's crucial for the client to continue taking their oral contraceptive unless advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
B) Use an additional form of contraception:
This is the correct recommendation. Erythromycin is an antibiotic that can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by altering gut flora and potentially interfering with their absorption. Therefore, using an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, is advised while taking erythromycin to prevent unintended pregnancy.
C) Take the medications at least 12 hours apart:
While spacing medications apart can sometimes minimize interactions, specific instructions regarding the timing of erythromycin and oral contraceptive administration should be obtained from the healthcare provider. Simply spacing the medications apart may not sufficiently prevent contraceptive failure.
D) Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight:
This instruction is unrelated to the interaction between erythromycin and oral contraceptives. While erythromycin can increase sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), it does not directly affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Therefore, while it's important to advise clients to protect themselves from sun exposure while taking erythromycin, it's not directly related to contraceptive use.
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