Final answer:
Clients using methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis should be instructed to contact their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of infection, abnormal clotting, significant hair loss, signs of liver toxicity, or symptoms indicative of anemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
When teaching a client about the use of methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the nurse should instruct the client to notify the healthcare provider if they experience significant side effects or new symptoms. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that can have various side effects due to its mechanism of action, which can affect rapidly dividing cells in the body. Clients should be particularly vigilant for signs of infection such as fatigue and fever, any unexpected bruising or bleeding indicating possible clotting issues, and hair loss. Additionally, they should report symptoms suggesting liver toxicity such as decreased appetite, nausea, or abdominal discomfort, and any new or worsening respiratory symptoms that might indicate lung involvement. Anemia, a potential complication of methotrexate therapy, often presents with symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath, which should also prompt client notification to the healthcare provider.