A client receives a prescription for methotrexate. Which information provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?
Obtain a platelet count weekly.
Take the medication during pregnancy.
Use folic acid to protect the liver.
Store the medication at room temperature.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Obtain a platelet count weekly: Regular monitoring of platelet counts is important for clients on methotrexate due to the risk of bone marrow suppression and potential thrombocytopenia. This instruction is appropriate and necessary.
B. Take the medication during pregnancy: Methotrexate is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its teratogenic effects and potential to cause fetal harm. It is crucial for clients to avoid using methotrexate while pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
C. Use folic acid to protect the liver: While folic acid is often used to help reduce the side effects of methotrexate, particularly its gastrointestinal effects and potential for liver toxicity, it is not used to "protect the liver" per se. The correct approach is to use folic acid as directed by a healthcare provider, often to mitigate some of the side effects of methotrexate.
D. Store the medication at room temperature: Methotrexate should be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, which usually involve keeping it at room temperature. This information is correct and does not require additional instruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I need to notify my healthcare provider if I lose my appetite or get nauseated." This statement shows understanding because loss of appetite and nausea can be symptoms of digoxin toxicity or side effects, and it is important to report these symptoms to a healthcare provider. Monitoring for such side effects is crucial when taking digoxin.
B. "I should take my furosemide only if I have shortness of breath or swelling in my feet." This statement is incorrect because furosemide, a diuretic, should be taken according to the prescribed schedule, not based on symptoms. It is used to manage fluid retention and symptoms of heart failure, and its use should not be dependent solely on the presence of symptoms.
C. "I need to check my blood pressure three times a day." While monitoring blood pressure is important, it is not specifically required for patients on digoxin and furosemide unless instructed by a healthcare provider. The focus should be more on monitoring for symptoms of drug side effects and electrolyte imbalances.
D. "If I lose more than one pound in a week, I should hold my next dose of furosemide." Weight loss can be a normal effect of furosemide due to fluid loss, and the decision to hold a dose should be based on specific medical advice and not solely on weight change.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Advise the client that the healthcare provider needs to be made aware of the current diet: This is the most appropriate response. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, are high in vitamin K and can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. It is important for the healthcare provider to be aware of the client’s diet to properly adjust the warfarin dosage and ensure effective anticoagulation while minimizing the risk of bleeding or clotting.
B. Suggest that the client replace the leafy vegetables with a protein source such as nuts or beans: This suggestion is not necessary unless there are specific dietary restrictions. While it's true that leafy green vegetables can affect warfarin, replacing them with other foods is not required. It’s more important to manage vitamin K intake consistently.
C. Confirm that the client’s diet choices will help the medication be more effective in preventing blood clots: This statement is incorrect. Leafy green vegetables can counteract the effects of warfarin due to their high vitamin K content.
D. Commend the patient for a healthy lifestyle and encourage the client to continue current diet habits: Although a diet rich in vegetables is generally healthy, it’s crucial to recognize that the high vitamin K content can impact the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Therefore, simply encouraging the client to continue the current diet without considering its interaction with the medication is not appropriate
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