A patient recovering from a kidney transplant is prescribed tacrolimus (Prograf)

Question

What actions will the nurse take when providing this medication to the patient? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. Provide the medication orally.
2. Provide the medication in the morning before breakfast.
3. Monitor blood pressure.
4. Assess capillary blood glucose level daily.
5. Administer through a central line with a filter over 6 hours for the first dose.

Answer 1

1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: Oral therapy is preferred because of the risk of anaphylactic reactions with the intravenous form of the medication.
Rationale 2: This medication should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning because food intake can limit its absorption by up to 40%.
Rationale 3: This medication can affect blood pressure.
Rationale 4: This medication can cause insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. The patient's blood glucose level needs to be assessed frequently.
Rationale 5: The oral form of this medication is preferred because of the risk of anaphylactic reactions with intravenous administration.