Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has Helicobacter pylori and a new prescription for tetracycline. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "Expect your urine to turn orange"
B. "Take the medication with 240 mL (8oz) milk"
C. "Watch for excessive bleeding when brushing your teeth"
D. "Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight"

Answer 1

For a client prescribed tetracycline for Helicobacter pylori, the nurse should advise avoiding prolonged sunlight exposure due to the risk of phototoxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include in the teaching for a client with Helicobacter pylori and a new prescription for tetracycline that the client should "Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight." Tetracycline can cause phototoxicity, making the skin more sensitive to sunlight and increasing the risk of sunburn. It is important for the client to protect their skin when outdoors, especially during treatment.

Clients should not take tetracycline with milk or other dairy products as calcium can interfere with the absorption of the medication. Urine discoloration to an orange hue is not a common side effect of tetracycline, and while excessive bleeding can be a concern with some medications, it is not commonly associated with tetracycline use.