Medical Surgical HESI Related

Review Medical Surgical HESI related questions and content

A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

  • A. Avoid taking folic acid supplements
  • B. Report any signs of infection immediately
  • C. Limit fluid intake to prevent edema
  • D. Increase intake of high-calcium foods
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction that the nurse should include in the teaching plan for a client prescribed methotrexate is to report any signs of infection immediately. Methotrexate can suppress the immune system, making the individual more susceptible to infections. Reporting signs of infection promptly allows for timely intervention. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding folic acid supplements is not recommended because methotrexate can lead to folate deficiency, so supplementation may be necessary. There is no direct correlation between fluid intake limitation and methotrexate use. Increasing high-calcium foods is not specifically related to methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.