A nurse is providing discharge planning for a client who has just been diagnosed as being in the early stage of rheumatoid arthritis and starting methotrexate. What should the nurse include in the client's teaching?
Monitor for symptoms of anemia
Expect an increase in appetite while on the medication
Rotate the site of the patch application
Anticipate relief of symptoms in 1-2 weeks
The Correct Answer is A
A. Monitoring for symptoms of anemia is essential as methotrexate can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to anemia. The nurse should instruct the client to report symptoms like fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath.
B. Methotrexate is more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and loss of appetite rather than an increase in appetite.
C. Methotrexate is typically administered orally or by injection, not via a patch, so rotating the site of patch application is not relevant.
D. Relief of symptoms from methotrexate generally takes several weeks to months. It is important to set realistic expectations about the timeline for symptom improvement.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Keeping a body map of skin lesions is a key strategy for monitoring changes in the skin over time. This helps individuals track any new or changing lesions, which is crucial for early detection of skin cancer.
B. Reducing tanning bed use is important because tanning beds are a significant risk factor for skin cancer. However, the instruction should emphasize complete avoidance rather than just reduction, as tanning beds dramatically increase the risk of melanoma.
C. Examining your body every 2 months is not frequent enough for effective skin cancer monitoring. Monthly self-examinations are generally recommended to catch potential changes early.
D. Avoiding the sun after 3 p.m. is incorrect; the most dangerous sun exposure typically occurs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The instruction should advise avoiding the sun during peak hours or wearing protective clothing and sunscreen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The statement about keeping the temperature cold to avoid becoming overheated requires further teaching. While avoiding excessive heat is important, maintaining an overly cold environment can also trigger symptoms, such as Raynaud's phenomenon, which is common in SLE patients. Proper temperature regulation, rather than extremes, is essential.
B. Following the prescribed medication regimen and informing the healthcare provider of any side effects is crucial for managing SLE and preventing flare-ups. This demonstrates the client's understanding of the importance of medication adherence.
C. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and therapy is appropriate, as stress is known to exacerbate SLE. This statement reflects an understanding of the need to reduce stress to manage the disease effectively.
D. Wearing protective clothing when going outside is essential to prevent sun exposure, which can trigger SLE flare-ups. This indicates that the client understands the need for sun protection.
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