A patient with severe psoriasis who is to be treated with the systemic drug methotrexate sodium anxiously asks, "Is this cancer drug safe? Are there some side effects I need to know about?" What is the best response by the nurse?
a. "Yes, methotrexate is used to treat cancer and psoriasis, and it has no severe side effects."
b. "No, it is not a cancer drug, but you should ask your physician about concerns regarding your therapy."
c. "We use this drug to treat many kinds of patients, including patients with cancer. You will have periodic blood tests."
d. "I don't know if it is used with patients with cancer, but the drug can be used when conditions are as severe as yours."
C
Methotrexate is an immunosuppressive drug used to treat psoriasis that is nonresponsive to other protocols. Periodic blood tests are performed to assess for leukopenia. The other options either do not answer the patient's question or offer erroneous information.
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A nurse cares for a client with acute pancreatitis. The client states, "I am hungry." How should the nurse reply?
a. "Is your stomach rumbling or do you have bowel sounds?" b. "I need to check your gag reflex before you can eat." c. "Have you passed any flatus or moved your bowels?" d. "You will not be able to eat until the pain subsides."
A client is hospitalized for an infected decubitus ulcer of the sacral area. The physician is planning to remove the dead and damaged tissue. What type of procedure will the nurse prepare the client for?
A) Application of a dry dressing B) Debridement C) Administration of filgrastim (Neupogen) D) Inject antibiotics into the wound
A client says, "My mom had Alzheimer disease and I am so afraid I am going to get it." Which nurse, if any, could best determine this client's risk and provide direction for care?
1. Any professional nurse 2. A nurse who has worked in an Alzheimer unit 3. A genetic clinical nurse 4. Nurses do not have the skills for this level of intervention.
A child with cystic fibrosis (CF) receives aerosolized bronchodilator medication. When should this medication be administered?
a. After chest physiotherapy (CPT) b. Before chest physiotherapy (CPT) c. After receiving 100% oxygen d. Before receiving 100% oxygen