A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has rheumatoid arthritis and is starting to take hydroxychloroquine. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "I should not crush this medication before taking it.": Hydroxychloroquine tablets should not be crushed, as this can affect the medication's absorption and effectiveness. However, this is not the most critical point in the teaching. B. "I should discontinue this medication when my symptoms subside.": Hydroxychloroquine should not be discontinued suddenly, even if symptoms improve. It is important for clients to follow the provider's recommendations for ongoing use, as it helps to manage rheumatoid arthritis long-term. C. "I will need to have regular eye exams while taking this medication.": Hydroxychloroquine can cause retinal toxicity, which can lead to vision problems. Regular eye exams are necessary to detect any early signs of damage to the retina and prevent further complications. D. "If I miss a dose of my medication, I can take a double dose the next time.": Taking a double dose to make up for a missed dose is not recommended, as this could increase the risk of adverse effects. The client should take the prescribed dose as soon as they remember, but not double it.