The client has a fungal infection of the toenails and receives oral terbinafine (Lamisil). The client asks the nurse how a pill will heal his nail infection. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "The medication accumulates in your nail beds and is there for many months."
2. "The medication should be combined with a topical agent to increase effectiveness."
3. "The medication works by destroying toxins excreted by the fungi in your nails."
4. "The medication works by destroying circulating fungi in your blood."

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Terbinafine (Lamisil) is an oral agent that has the advantage of accumulating in nail beds, allowing it to remain active many months after therapy is discontinued.
Rationale 2: Terbinafine (Lamisil) does not need to be combined with a topical agent.
Rationale 3: Terbinafine (Lamisil) does not destroy toxins excreted by fungi.
Rationale 4: Terbinafine (Lamisil) does not destroy circulating fungi in the blood.
Global Rationale: Terbinafine (Lamisil) is an oral agent that has the advantage of accumulating in nail beds, allowing it to remain active many months after therapy is discontinued. Terbinafine (Lamisil) does not need to be combined with a topical agent. Terbinafine (Lamisil) does not destroy toxins excreted by fungi. Terbinafine (Lamisil) does not destroy circulating fungi in the blood.