Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for etanercept to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following instructions about self-administering this medication should the nurse include?

A. Discard any solutions that are cloudy.
B. Attach a 21-gauge needle to the syringe for injection
C. Self-adminster the medication on alternate days
D. Shake the reconstituted solution well before self-administration

Answer 1

When teaching a client to self-administer etanercept, a nurse should instruct to discard any cloudy solutions, follow the prescribed needle size and injection frequency, and avoid shaking the reconstituted solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse teaching a client how to self-administer etanercept, which is a medication used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, should include the following critical instructions:

• Discard any solutions that are cloudy or discolored, as this can indicate that the medication is no longer effective or may have been contaminated.
• Use an appropriate size needle for the injection. While a 21-gauge needle may be used by a healthcare professional, for self-injection, commonly a smaller gauge needle is recommended for comfort. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, which will typically be included with the medication packaging.
• Etanercept is typically administered once or twice weekly according to the prescribing information, not on alternate days.
• It is crucial not to shake the reconstituted solution of etanercept, as shaking may damage the protein-based medication, leading to a loss of effectiveness. Instead, gently swirl the solution if mixing is required.

Instruction on the proper injection technique, site rotation, and the handling of any side effects should also be provided by the nurse.