A nurse is talking with a client who has been taking levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism.
The nurse should instruct the client to avoid taking which of the following over-the-counter medications within 4 hr of taking levothyroxine?

Choice A rationale:

A negative mammogram is not a requirement of the iPLEDGE program. Mammograms are used to screen for breast cancer and are not related to isotretinoin therapy.

Choice B rationale:

Regular Papanicolaou tests, which screen for cervical cancer, are not a requirement of the iPLEDGE program. These tests are not related to isotretinoin therapy.

Choice C rationale:

There is no requirement for clients to begin a daily supplement of vitamin A prior to initiating therapy. In fact, taking additional vitamin A while on isotretinoin can increase the risk of vitamin A toxicity.

Choice D rationale:

Sexually active female clients must use two forms of birth control during treatment. This is because isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects.

Choice A rationale:

Asking the client to demonstrate dose delivery can be part of patient education and helps ensure that the client understands how to use the PCA device. This action does not require intervention.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse administering a PCA dose for the client requires intervention. PCA stands for “Patient-Controlled Analgesia,” meaning that only the patient should administer doses to themselves. This prevents overdosing and ensures that pain medication is administered according to the patient’s needs.

Choice C rationale:

Reassuring the client that the PCA device will not cause an overdose is appropriate because PCA devices are designed with safety measures to prevent overdosing.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring for oversedation is an important part of care for a client using a PCA device. This action does not require intervention.