A nurse is teaching a female client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) about taking methotrexate (MTX) (Rheumatrex) for disease control. What information does the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
a. "Avoid acetaminophen in over-the-counter medications."
b. "It may take several weeks to become effective on pain."
c. "Pregnancy and breast-feeding are not affected by MTX."
d. "Stay away from large crowds and people who are ill."
e. "You may find that folic acid, a B vitamin, reduces side effects."
ANS: A, B, D, E
MTX is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug and is used as a first-line drug for RA. MTX can cause liver toxicity, so the client should be advised to avoid medications that contain acetaminophen. It may take 4 to 6 weeks for effectiveness. MTX can cause immunosuppression, so avoiding sick people and crowds is important. Folic acid helps reduce side effects for some people. Pregnancy and breast-feeding are contraindicated while on this drug.
You might also like to view...
An infant is diagnosed with a congenital cataract. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess?
A) Absent red reflex B) Rapid irregular eye movement C) Misalignment of the eyes D) Enlarged eye appearance
You are unable to distinguish S1 from S2, so you proceed by placing the diaphragm of your stethoscope over the mitral area while
a. palpating a radial pulse. c. the patient holds his breath. b. palpating a carotid pulse. d. the patient takes a deep breath.
A child goes to the school nurse and complains of not being able to hear the teacher. What test could the school nurse perform that would preliminarily indicate hearing loss?
A) Audiometry B) Rinne test C) Whisper test D) Weber test
A dopamine infusion is being administered to a patient with shock. The nurse should be alert for:
1. a sharp spike in blood pressure. 2. tremor of the hands. 3. increasing urinary output. 4. hyperirritability of the patient.