A patient will begin taking hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for rheumatoid arthritis. The patient is currently taking high-dose NSAIDs and methotrexate. What will the nurse teach the patient?
a. That an eye exam is necessary at the beginning of therapy with this drug
b. That the dose of NSAIDs may be decreased when beginning hydroxychloroquine
c. To obtain tests of renal and hepatic function while taking this drug
d. To stop taking methotrexate when starting hydroxychloroquine
ANS: A
Hydroxychloroquine can cause retinal damage so an eye exam is necessary at the onset of treatment as well as every 6 months during treatment. Patients taking other drugs should continue to take those when beginning treatment with hydroxychloroquine since full therapeutic effects take months to develop. Renal and hepatic toxicity are not concerns. The drug is usually combined with methotrexate.
You might also like to view...
The admissions department at a local hospital is registering an elderly man for an outpatient diagnostic test. The admissions nurse asks the man if he has an advanced directive
The man responds that he does not want to complete an advance directive because he does not want anyone controlling his finances. What would be appropriate information for the nurse to share with this patient? A) "Advance directives are not legal documents, so you have nothing to worry about." B) "Advance directives are limited only to health care instructions and directives." C) "Your finances cannot be managed without an advance directive." D) "Advance directives are implemented when you become incapacitated, and then you will use a living will to allow the state to manage your money."
An older couple is considering moving into a retirement community. What reaction by the nurse is best?
a. "That's a good idea to consider at your age." b. "Check on what levels of care they pro-vide." c. "Do you have enough money to afford this?" d. "What does your family think of this idea?"
A woman is experiencing mittelschmerz and increased vaginal discharge. Her temperature has increased by 0.6° C (1.0° F) for the past 36 hours. This most likely indicates that:
A. Menstruation is about to begin. B. Ovulation will occur soon. C. Ovulation has occurred. D. She is pregnant and will not menstruate.
Secondary level of prevention includes:
a. surgical lung resection for lung cancer b. nicotine replacement c. antismoking advertisement campaign d. banning smoking in public places