What instruction for oral administration of methotrexate should the nurse include when teaching a client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis?
Use an antiemetic one hour following administration.
Drink 2-3 liters of water per day.
Rinse mouth twice per day with an alcohol-based mouthwash.
Take the medication with an NSAID.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason
Using an antiemetic one hour after administration of methotrexate is not a standard recommendation. Antiemetics are typically used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and are taken before or at the time of methotrexate administration, not afterward.
Choice B Reason
Drinking 2-3 liters of water per day is important for patients taking methotrexate to prevent kidney damage by ensuring adequate hydration and facilitating the excretion of the drug¹. Methotrexate can be nephrotoxic, and proper hydration helps to mitigate this risk.
Choice C Reason
Rinsing the mouth with an alcohol-based mouthwash is not recommended for patients taking methotrexate. Alcohol can cause drying and irritation, which might exacerbate any mouth sores caused by methotrexate. Instead, patients should use a gentle, non-alcoholic mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene.
Choice D Reason
Taking methotrexate with an NSAID is not advised without specific medical guidance. NSAIDs can increase the toxicity of methotrexate by displacing it from protein-binding sites and reducing its renal clearance, potentially leading to increased side effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a reason:
An increase in urine output can be a sign of improved kidney function or the effect of medications, but it is not a direct indicator of reduced cardiac workload. Atenolol, a beta-blocker, primarily reduces the heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, not urine output.
Choice b reason:
Less dyspnea with activity suggests improved cardiovascular efficiency, but it is not a specific measure of cardiac workload. Dyspnea can be influenced by respiratory conditions and is not solely determined by cardiac function.
Choice c reason:
A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered optimal for most adults and indicates good control of hypertension. However, it does not specifically reflect the cardiac workload, which is more directly affected by heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand.
Choice d reason:
A heart rate of 65 per minute is a clear indicator that atenolol is effective in reducing cardiac workload. Atenolol decreases the heart rate, which in turn reduces myocardial oxygen demand and the overall workload on the heart. This is particularly important for patients with unstable angina, where reducing the heart's workload can prevent angina attacks and potential myocardial infarction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Increasing sodium intake is not recommended for patients who have passed a calcium oxalate stone. High sodium intake can increase calcium in the urine, which can contribute to the formation of new stones. Therefore, patients are often advised to limit their sodium intake to reduce the risk of stone recurrence.
Choice B Reason
Considering a move to an area with higher humidity is not a standard recommendation for preventing the recurrence of calcium oxalate stones. While climate can affect hydration levels, it is more important for the patient to focus on direct measures to stay hydrated, such as drinking more fluids.
Choice C Reason
Increasing water intake is a key recommendation for patients who have had calcium oxalate stones. Adequate hydration is essential to dilute the urine, which helps prevent the formation of new stones. Patients are often advised to drink enough water to produce at least 2.5 liters of urine per day.
Choice D Reason
Decreasing the intake of all calcium-rich foods and beverages is not generally recommended for patients with calcium oxalate stones. In fact, a moderate intake of dietary calcium can help reduce the risk of stone formation by binding with oxalate in the intestines, which prevents it from being absorbed into the urine. Patients should consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian to determine the appropriate amount of dietary calcium.
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