A nurse is teaching a client who has active pulmonary tuberculosis about management of medication for the disease.
Which of the following statements is appropriate for the nurse to make?

Raloxifene is a medication used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and weak, increasing the risk of fractures.

Raloxifene belongs to a class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which mimic the effects of estrogen on bone density. Choice B is wrong because raloxifene may increase the risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. DVT can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected limb, and can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE), a blood clot in the lung.

Raloxifene should not be used by people who have or had DVT or PE. Choice C is wrong because raloxifene is not used to treat urinary tract infection (UTI), an infection that affects the bladder, kidneys, or ureters. UTI can cause symptoms such as burning or pain when urinating, frequent or urgent urination, blood in the urine, or fever.

UTI is usually treated with antibiotics.

Choice D is wrong because raloxifene is not used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.

Thyroid hormone regulates the body’s metabolism, growth, and development. Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, or depression.

Hypothyroidism is usually treated with synthetic thyroid hormone replacement.

This will help reduce swelling and discomfort caused by the infiltration of fluid into the tissues. Elevating the extremity also promotes venous return and prevents further fluid accumulation.

Choice A is wrong because applying pressure to the IV site can increase the risk of tissue damage and infection.

Pressure can also obstruct blood flow and cause thrombophlebitis.

Choice C is wrong because slowing the infusion rate will not stop the infiltration of fluid into the tissues.

Slowing the infusion rate can also delay the delivery of medication or fluid to the client.

Choice D is wrong because flushing the IV catheter can worsen the infiltration of fluid into the tissues.

Flushing the IV catheter can also introduce air or bacteria into the bloodstream and cause complications.

Normal ranges for peripheral IV infusion are dependent on the type and volume of fluid, the size and location of the catheter, and the condition of the client. Generally, peripheral IV infusion rates should not exceed 100 mL/hr for adults and 60 mL/hr for children.