Author Question: A patient for whom antiretroviral therapy has been prescribed informs the nurse that she is taking ... (Read 18 times)

lindiwe · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient for whom antiretroviral therapy has been prescribed informs the nurse that she is taking oral contraceptives. The nurse responds that the combination of oral contraceptives and antiretroviral therapy can lead to which of the following?

A) Decreased effectiveness of antiviral therapy
B) Increased risk of vaginal bleeding
C) Decreased effectiveness of birth control pills
D) Increased serum level of the antiretroviral

Question 2

A patient is being discharged from a health care facility but is required to continue antiviral therapy at home. Which of the following points should the nurse include in the teaching plan to educate the patient?

A) A slight elevation in temperature is normal and needn't be reported.
B) Double the dosage of the drug if you miss a dose.
C) Stop taking the drug as soon as the symptoms of the infection disappear.
D) Make sure to notify your primary health care provider if you develop any adverse reactions.

raili21 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Antiretrovirals decrease the effectiveness of oral birth control agents. Combining antiretrovirals with birth control pills does not, however, increase the risk of vaginal bleeding, increase serum levels of the antiretroviral, or decrease the effectiveness of antiviral therapy.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
Feedback:
The nurse should instruct the patient to report adverse reactions to the primary health care provider. The nurse should also tell the patient to report any increase in temperature, even if it is a slight increase. If the patient misses a dose, the next dose should be taken as soon as remembered, but it should not be doubled. The nurse should also instruct the patient to take the drug exactly as directed for the full course of therapy, even if the symptoms of the infection disappear.