The prescriber has ordered suramin sodium (Germanin) for a ...

[krzymel]

The prescriber has ordered suramin sodium (Germanin) for a patient who has just returned from Africa and who had developed trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness).
 
  Which instruction or instructions by the nurse should be included in the patient education to prevent a serious reaction?
  a. You may be sensitive to bright lights.
  b. You may experience vomiting.
  c. You may feel a little numbing of your hands and feet.
  d. I will need a urine sample.

Question 2

The nurse is providing patient education to a 26-year-old female college student who is being treated for Trichomonas vaginalis with metronidazole (Flagyl). What information provided by the nurse would be most important?
 
  a. The drug is safe throughout pregnancy.
  b. The drug can cause a headache.
  c. You should not use of any form of alcohol while taking this medication.
  d. Drinking alcohol in moderation should not cause any problem.

[Mollythedog]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
To identify a serious reaction early, the nurse must collect a urine sample. Suramin concentrates in the kidneys and can cause local damage, resulting in the appearance of protein, blood cells, and casts in the urine. If urinary casts are observed, treatment should cease.
Photosensitivity, vomiting, and numbness of the hands and feet are expected effects with suramin sodium.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The patient should be advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication as it may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
The drug is mutagenic for fetuses and should be avoided prior to and/or during pregnancy.
The drug can cause headaches, however, that is not the most important education that nurse can provide.
All alcohol should be avoided.