A nurse is teaching a patient who will begin taking methimazole (Tapazole) for Graves' disease about the medication. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
a. "Because of the risk for liver toxicity, I will need frequent liver function tests."
b. "I should report a sore throat or fever to my provider if either occurs."
c. "I will need a complete blood count every few months."
d. "It is safe to get pregnant while taking this medication."
ANS: B
Agranulocytosis is rare but can occur with methimazole, so patients should report signs of infection, such as a sore throat or fever. Liver toxicity is not a side effect, so liver function tests are not indicated. Because agranulocytosis often develops rapidly, periodic blood counts do not guarantee early detection. Methimazole is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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