Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Simulated
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for nitrofurantoin. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Notify the provider if you develop a cough. Nitrofurantoin can cause pulmonary toxicity, which may present as a cough. This is crucial information for the client to be aware of to prevent serious complications. Reporting a cough promptly can lead to early intervention and prevent further harm.
Incorrect choices:
A: Reporting brown-colored urine is not a common side effect of nitrofurantoin and does not require immediate medical attention.
B: Nitrofurantoin is not indicated for relief of peripheral nerve pain; this information is irrelevant to the client's prescription.
C: Nitrofurantoin should not be crushed as it can cause irritation or damage to the esophagus. Swallowing it whole is important for proper absorption.
In summary, choice D is correct because it addresses a potential serious side effect of the medication, while the other choices are either irrelevant or incorrect in the context of nitrofurantoin.
Incorrect choices:
A: Reporting brown-colored urine is not a common side effect of nitrofurantoin and does not require immediate medical attention.
B: Nitrofurantoin is not indicated for relief of peripheral nerve pain; this information is irrelevant to the client's prescription.
C: Nitrofurantoin should not be crushed as it can cause irritation or damage to the esophagus. Swallowing it whole is important for proper absorption.
In summary, choice D is correct because it addresses a potential serious side effect of the medication, while the other choices are either irrelevant or incorrect in the context of nitrofurantoin.