A patient who is HIV-positive has been receiving medication therapy that includes zidovudine.

The prescriber has decided to stop the zidovudine due to its dose-limiting adverse effect.

Which of these conditions is the dose-limiting adverse effect of zidovudine therapy?

Choice A rationale:

Providing written pamphlets for instruction can be a useful supplement, but it may not be the most effective method for teaching a skill like self-injection of insulin. This is because it lacks the hands-on practice and immediate feedback that can be crucial for learning a new physical skill.

Choice B rationale:

After demonstrating the procedure, allowing the patient to do several return demonstrations is considered one of the best methods for teaching a skill like self-injection of insulin. This approach, often referred to as “see one, do one, teach one,” allows the patient to observe the correct technique, practice it themselves, and then demonstrate their understanding by teaching it back. This method is particularly effective because it engages the patient in active learning and provides opportunities for immediate feedback and correction.

Choice C rationale:

Showing a video and allowing the patient to practice as needed on his own can be helpful, but it may not be as effective as other methods. This is because it lacks the immediate feedback and personalized instruction that can be provided in a one-onone teaching session. Additionally, practicing “as needed” may not provide the consistent repetition needed to master a new skill.

Choice D rationale:

Verbally explaining the procedure and providing written handouts for reinforcement can be effective, but it may not be sufficient for teaching a skill like self-injection of insulin. This is because it lacks the hands-on practice that is crucial for learning a new physical skill. Additionally, relying solely on verbal explanation and written handouts may not address all learning styles.

Choice A rationale:

The statement “The intravenous medication will have delayed absorption into the body’s tissues” is incorrect. Intravenous (IV) therapy is administering fluids directly into a vein. It benefits treatment by enabling water, medication, blood, or nutrients to access the body faster through the circulatory system. This bypasses the gastric system so the body can take on more fluids quickly. Therefore, the absorption of intravenous medication into the body’s tissues is not delayed but rather immediate.

Choice B rationale:

The statement “The action of the medication will begin sooner when given intravenously” is correct. Administering a medication intravenously eliminates the process of drug absorption and breakdown by directly depositing it into the blood. This results in the immediate elevation of serum levels and high concentration in vital organs, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Therefore, the action of the medication begins sooner when given intravenously.

Choice C rationale:

The statement “The medication will cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously” is not necessarily true. While some medications might cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously, this is not a general rule for all medications. The adverse effects of a medication depend on various factors including the type of medication, the dose, the patient’s health condition, and more.

Choice D rationale:

The statement “There is a lower chance of allergic reactions when drugs are given intravenously” is not necessarily true. The chance of allergic reactions depends on various factors including the type of drug, the patient’s immune response, previous exposure to the drug, and more. It’s not related to the route of administration.