A client telephones the nurse to report fatigue since starting ribavirin therapy 4 months ago. The client has also developed shortness of breath over the past week, which has been worsening. What should the nurse tell the client?

Question

1. "This is a normal adverse effect of this medication. Take it easy, and your symptoms will resolve."
2. "Stop taking the medication. Your health care provider will try another medication for hepatitis treatment."
3. "These symptoms could be signs of an allergy to the medication. Take an antihistamine and see if you notice improvement."
4. "You should come into the office to have some blood work done for possible hemolytic anemia."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: This is not a normal side effect, and the client should be evaluated immediately.
Rationale 2: Before stopping the medication and starting another, the client should be evaluated for possible hemolytic anemia.
Rationale 3: The client should not just be treated with an antihistamine, as this could be a serious side effect and should be evaluated immediately.
Rationale 4: An adverse effect of ribavirin can be hemolytic anemia. The client should be evaluated immediately with a complete blood count.
Global Rationale: An adverse effect of ribavirin can be hemolytic anemia. The client should be evaluated immediately with a complete blood count. Before stopping the medication and starting another, the client should be evaluated for possible hemolytic anemia. The client should not just be treated with an antihistamine, as this could be a serious side effect and should be evaluated immediately.