A client is prescribed long-term pharmacologic therapy with hydroxychloroquine to treat systemic lupus erythematosus. Which intervention related to the drug's adverse effects should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Question

A client is prescribed long-term pharmacologic therapy with hydroxychloroquine to treat systemic lupus erythematosus.  Which intervention related to the drug's adverse effects should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is an antimalarial drug, but it is more commonly prescribed to reduce fatigue and treat the skin and arthritic (eg, joint inflammation, pain) manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Hydroxychloroquine can also help to reduce lupus exacerbations in clients with inactive to mild disease, but several months can pass before its therapeutic effects become apparent. Although rare, serious adverse drug reactions such as retinal toxicity and visual disturbances can occur with hydroxychloroquine. Therefore, clients are instructed to undergo regular ophthalmologic examination every 6-12 months (Option A). (Option B) Hydroxychloroquine should be taken with food to decrease gastrointestinal upset (common side effect). (Option C) Some clients with severe SLE are prescribed long-term corticosteroid (prednisone) therapy to prevent organ damage and are at risk for adverse reactions, such as accelerated osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is not an adverse reaction of hydroxychloroquine, and vitamin D and calcium supplementation is not required. (Option D) There are no effects of hydroxychloroquine that would require wearing a MedicAlert bracelet. Educational objective: Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is used to treat the skin and arthritic manifestations of SLE. Taking the medication with food can help alleviate gastrointestinal upset. Serious adverse drug reactions include retinopathy and visual disturbances; therefore, regular ophthalmologic examination every 6-12 months is required.

A Client Is Prescribed Long-Term Pharmacologic Therapy with Hydroxychloroquine to Treat