The nurse is caring for a client who is being discharged on dapsone (DDS) for the treatment of leprosy. The nurse educates the client that it is essential to notify a health care provider when which adverse effects occur?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Nausea
2. Weight gain
3. Nose bleeds
4. Brittle fingernails
5. Yellowing of the skin

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2,3,5
Rationale 1: Nausea is not an adverse effect that needs to be reported to the health care provider.
Rationale 2: Weight gain is not an expected affect.
Rationale 3: Any abnormal bleeding, including nose bleeds, must be reported to the health care provider.
Rationale 4: Bluish fingernails, not brittle fingernails, should be reported to the health care provider.
Rationale 5: Yellowing of the skin or sclera should be reported to the health care provider.
Global Rationale: The most frequent adverse effects of dapsone relate to the hematologic system: dose-related hemolysis and methemoglobinemia with cyanosis. Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis are rare, though potentially severe, adverse effects. Toxic hepatitis has been reported. The drug concentrates in the skin, causing dermatologic reactions that include photosensitivity and toxic epidermal necrolysis.