Which are necessary steps in the assessment of the patient preparing for treatment PVD with pentoxifylline (Trental)? (Select all that apply.)
a. Check for intolerance to caffeine.
b. Obtain baseline data on pain that may be present.
c. Obtain test results for PT and aPTT.
d. Perform baseline gastrointestinal assessment to determine if the patient has nausea, vomiting, or dyspepsia.
e. Ask specifically if the patient has any cardiac symptoms or dizziness.
f. Schedule the patient for an exercise stress test.
ANS: A, B, D, E
Before beginning therapy with pentoxifylline, the nurse should determine intolerance to caffeine. To evaluate therapeutic effects of prescribed medications, a baseline is needed against which to compare future assessments. Before beginning therapy with pentoxifylline, the nurse should determine baseline gastrointestinal symptoms and assess for cardiac symptoms, pain, and dizziness. Bleeding times do not apply to therapy with this drug. Exercise stress testing is not part of the premedication assessment.
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