A patient with severe psoriasis who is to be treated with the systemic drug, methotrexate sodium, anxiously asks. "Is this cancer drug safe? Are there some side effects I need to know about? The nurse's best response would be:

A. While methotrexate is indeed used to treat both cancer and severe psoriasis, it does have significant potential side effects, including hepatotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, and gastrointestinal issues. Telling the patient there are no major side effects is inaccurate and can undermine trust and informed consent. B. This response accurately acknowledges the dual use of methotrexate while also emphasizing the importance of monitoring through blood tests to detect adverse effects early. It is honest, informative, and reassures the patient that safety measures are in place, which can reduce anxiety and promote adherence. C. Methotrexate is used in cancer treatment, so stating it is not is factually wrong. Additionally, deflecting responsibility to the physician does not provide reassurance or appropriate patient education, which is part of the nurse’s role. D. This statement is non-informative and may increase patient anxiety. The nurse should provide accurate information about the medication’s use and monitoring rather than expressing uncertainty.