A nurse is providing teaching to a patient who is admitted to the hospital for initiation of treatment with amiodarone (Cordarone) for atrial fibrillation that has been refractory to other medications
Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
a. "I may have itching, malaise, and jaundice, but these symptoms will subside."
b. "I need to use sun block to help keep my skin from turning bluish gray."
c. "I should not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication."
d. "I should report shortness of breath and cough and stop taking the drug immediately."
ANS: A
Amiodarone has many toxic effects. Liver toxicity is rare but serious and should be reported and the drug discontinued. Dermatologic toxicity can occur, and sun block helps protect the skin, which, with prolonged exposure to the sun, can turn bluish gray. Drinking grapefruit juice can increase amiodarone levels. Pulmonary toxicity is the greatest concern, and patients with pulmonary symptoms should report these to the provider.
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