Question

A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for nifedipine. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

a.Milk
b.Aged cheese
c.Grapefruit juice
d.Bananas

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client prescribed nifedipine to avoid grapefruit juice because it can significantly alter the metabolism of the medication, leading to increased plasma levels and potential side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse providing teaching for a client prescribed nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, should instruct the client to avoid consuming grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of many medications, including nifedipine, potentially leading to increased drug levels in the bloodstream, which can enhance the drug's effects as well as increase the risk for side effects.

While milk, aged cheese, and bananas do not have the same effect on nifedipine metabolism and therefore are not necessary to avoid, it is essential to focus on grapefruit juice due to its significant impact on the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, especially CYP3A4, which is responsible for the metabolism of many drugs.