A client who receives multiple antihypertensive medications experiences syncope due to a drop in blood pressure to 70/40 mm Hg. Which is the rationale for the nurse's decision to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications?

Choice A reason: Employed as a construction worker is not the most important assessment finding for the nurse to address. Although the client's occupation may expose them to moist and warm environments that can promote fungal growth, it is not directly related to the administration of terbinafine HCL. The nurse should advise the client to wear breathable shoes and socks and keep the feet dry and clean, but it is not a priority.

Choice B reason: Reported history of alcoholism is the most important assessment finding for the nurse to address. Terbinafine HCL can cause hepatotoxicity, especially in clients with pre-existing liver disease or who consume alcohol regularly. The nurse should assess the client's liver function tests and alcohol intake before starting the medication and inform the prescriber accordingly. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs and symptoms of liver damage, such as jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, or fatigue.

Choice C reason: White blood cell count of 8,500/mm3 (8.5 x 10^9/L) is not the most important assessment finding for the nurse to address. This value is within the normal reference range of 5,000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 10^9/L) and does not indicate any infection or inflammation. The nurse should check the client's baseline blood counts before starting the medication, but it is not a priority.

Choice D reason: Toenails appear thick and yellow is not the most important assessment finding for the nurse to address. This is a typical manifestation of a fungal toenail infection, which is the indication for terbinafine HCL. The nurse should expect the toenails to improve in appearance and texture after the completion of the treatment, which may take several weeks or months. The nurse should educate the client about the expected outcomes and adherence to the medication regimen, but it is not a priority.

Choice A reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client. Stopping the oral contraceptive immediately is not necessary, as it may cause irregular bleeding, hormonal imbalance, or unwanted pregnancy. The client should continue taking the oral contraceptive as prescribed, but use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms or spermicides, while taking erythromycin.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client. Avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is not related to the interaction between oral contraceptive and erythromycin. This instruction may be relevant for other antibiotics, such as tetracyclines or sulfonamides, that can cause photosensitivity and increase the risk of sunburn. The client should protect the skin from sun exposure as part of general health promotion, but it is not specific to erythromycin therapy.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client. Taking the medications at least 12 hours apart is not sufficient to prevent the interaction between oral contraceptive and erythromycin. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptive by increasing its metabolism and clearance. The client should take the medications as prescribed, but use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms or spermicides, while taking erythromycin.

Choice D reason: This is the correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client. Using an additional form of contraception is the best way to prevent pregnancy while taking erythromycin and oral contraceptive. Erythromycin can decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptive by increasing its metabolism and clearance. The client should use a barrier method or a spermicide, in addition to the oral contraceptive, while taking erythromycin and for at least one week after finishing the antibiotic course.