A nurse provides teaching for a patient who will begin taking procainamide (Procanbid) for long-term suppression of a dysrhythmia. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
a. "I need to take this drug at evenly spaced intervals around the clock."
b. "I may have increased bruising, but this is a temporary side effect."
c. "I should report pain and swelling in my joints when taking this drug."
d. "I will need to have blood tests at regular intervals while taking this drug."
ANS: B
Blood dyscrasias are a rare but potentially fatal side effect of procainamide and are an indication for withdrawing the drug. Procainamide should be taken around the clock at evenly spaced intervals. Lupuslike symptoms may occur; inflammation of the joints is one manifestation and should be reported so that antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers can be monitored. Because of the risk of lupuslike symptoms and blood dyscrasias, blood tests need to be done weekly at first and then periodically thereafter.
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