HESI Test Bank Medical Surgical Nursing Related

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Methotrexate is prescribed for a client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who is also taking aspirin. What is the best explanation for the nurse to provide as to why a second medication has been added?

  • A. Methotrexate slows the disease progression while aspirin controls the symptoms.
  • B. Methotrexate helps to reduce the side effects of aspirin.
  • C. Methotrexate has fewer harmful side effects than aspirin.
  • D. Methotrexate enhances the effect of aspirin.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that slows the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while aspirin helps control symptoms such as pain and inflammation. Therefore, the combination of methotrexate and aspirin is beneficial in managing RA by addressing both disease progression and symptom control. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because methotrexate is not added to reduce the side effects of aspirin, has different side effects compared to aspirin, and does not enhance the effect of aspirin.