The nurse provides teaching for a patient who will begin taking ...

[rayancarla1]

The nurse provides teaching for a patient who will begin taking bosentan (Tracleer) for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching about this medication?
 
  a. I may take this medication with or without food.
  b. I may develop irreversible liver damage while taking this drug.
  c. I should not take cyclosporine while taking this medication.
  d. I will need to have lab tests every month while taking this drug.

Question 2

A patient who has pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is receiving epoprostenol (Flolan) at a rate of 210 ng per minute using a portable pump.
 
  The patient weighs 70 kg. The patient calls the clinic to report headache, nausea, and vomiting. The nurse will counsel the patient to:
  a. decrease the infusion to 100 ng per minute.
  b. discuss these side effects with the provider.
  c. prepare for a hospital admission.
  d. stop the infusion and contact the provider.

[harveenkau8139]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Liver injury may occur with bosentan but all cases to date have been reversible. The medication may be taken without regard to meals. Patients taking bosentan should not take cyclosporine concurrently. Patients will need to have liver enzymes measured monthly while taking the drug.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Headache, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects of epoprostenol and are dose dependent. Patients should contact their provider to discuss these side effects and any necessary dosage adjustments. One hundred ng per minute is below the maintenance dose range for this patient; patients should not adjust doses without contacting the provider. The side effects are not serious and do not warrant hospitalization. Interruption of the drug can have life-threatening consequences.

[rayancarla1]

Excellent

[nothere]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it