A recent immigrant from the Middle East is being treated for P. falciparum malaria and has completed a course of chloroquine (Aralen Phosphate). What will the nurse do?

Question

a. Ask the provider about genetic screening for this patient before starting the next medication.
b. Contact the provider to discuss nondrug methods to prevent reinfection, such as DEET insect repellents.
c. Teach the patient to notify the provider if symptoms recur so that relapse medication may be started.
d. Tell the patient that no further treatment is necessary, because relapse in unlikely.

Answer 1

ANS: D
P. falciparum malaria does not relapse once a clinical cure has been achieved, so no further treatment is necessary. Although this patient is from the Middle East and is at increased risk for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, genetic testing is unnecessary unless primaquine is given. Because no further treatment is indicated, genetic testing is not necessary. There is no need to use nondrug methods, because the patient is no longer in an area where infection is likely. This form of malaria will not relapse, so there is no need to teach the patient to report new symptoms.