The primary health care provider prescribes methotrexate for a client with a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse provides health teaching about the drug. What statement by the nurse is appropriate to include about methotrexate?
It will take at least 1 to 2 weeks for the drug to help relieve your symptoms.
The drug is very expensive but there are pharmacy plans to help pay for it.
The drug can increase your risk for infection, so you should avoid crowds.
It’s OK for you to drink about 2 to 3 glasses of wine each week while taking the drug.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Methotrexate typically takes 6–12 weeks to achieve therapeutic effects in rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing immune-mediated inflammation. Stating 1–2 weeks is inaccurate, as it underestimates the time needed for the drug to modulate immune response and reduce joint inflammation.
Choice B reason: Discussing cost and pharmacy plans is not a priority in health teaching about methotrexate’s clinical effects. While cost may be a concern, it is not relevant to the drug’s pharmacological action or patient safety education.
Choice C reason: Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant, reducing immune response to control RA inflammation. This increases infection risk, as immune cells like neutrophils are suppressed. Avoiding crowds minimizes exposure to pathogens, making this a critical and appropriate teaching point for patient safety.
Choice D reason: Alcohol consumption, even in moderation (2–3 glasses of wine weekly), is discouraged with methotrexate due to its hepatotoxic effects. Alcohol exacerbates liver damage risk, as methotrexate is metabolized by the liver, potentially leading to elevated liver enzymes or hepatotoxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["35"]
Explanation
Bryant’s traction is typically used for children who weigh under 35 pounds to avoid excessive pressure on the hips and ensure correct alignment.
Final answer = 35 pounds
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Tobacco use accelerates bone loss by reducing osteoblast activity and blood flow to bones, increasing osteoporosis risk. Cutting down on smoking improves bone density by enhancing bone formation and reducing resorption, a key preventive measure for women.
Choice B reason: Limiting alcohol to two drinks daily is not specific enough, as even moderate alcohol can impair calcium absorption and osteoblast function, increasing osteoporosis risk. Guidelines recommend minimal alcohol consumption, making this less accurate for prevention.
Choice C reason: Strengthening exercises (e.g., resistance training) stimulate osteoblast activity, increasing bone density and strength. This is critical for preventing osteoporosis, as mechanical stress on bones enhances mineralization, reducing fracture risk in women, especially postmenopausal.
Choice D reason: Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. Calcium forms bone matrix, and vitamin D enhances its absorption. Adequate intake prevents bone resorption, maintaining bone density and reducing osteoporosis risk, making this a cornerstone of prevention.
Choice E reason: Weight-bearing exercises like walking stimulate bone formation by applying mechanical stress, increasing osteoblast activity. Walking 30 minutes three times weekly improves bone density and reduces fracture risk, making it an effective strategy for osteoporosis prevention in women.
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