A nurse is caring for an adolescent in the outpatient dermatologist’s office. Exhibits Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. A nurse is providing education today on the newly-prescribed medication. The nurse recommends the adolescent notify the provider immediately if dropdown or dropdown occurs during therapy
Explanation & Rationale
The nurse recommends the adolescent notify the provider immediately if a change in mood or engagement in sexual activity occurs during therapy. Rationale: A change in mood: Isotretinoin carries a risk of depression, mood swings, or suicidal ideation. Adolescents should report any sudden mood changes immediately. Engagement in sexual activity: Isotretinoin is highly teratogenic. Although the adolescent currently has a negative pregnancy test, any sexual activity could increase the risk of pregnancy, which requires strict precautions and provider notification. Nausea, dry mouth, dry eyes, sunburn, decreased night vision, worsening acne: These are common side effects of isotretinoin and should be monitored, but they do not require immediate notification unless severe or persistent.