Question

A nurse is teaching a client about methotrexate therapy for RA. To the following information should the nurse include? S.A.T.A

A. Take folic acid supplements
B. Limit sun exposure
C. Increase dietary calcium intake
D. Avoid grapefruit juice

Answer 1

A nurse should advise a client on methotrexate therapy for RA to take folic acid supplements, limit sun exposure, and avoid grapefruit juice. Folic acid supplementation mitigates the deficiencies caused by methotrexate's inhibition of folate metabolism, while limiting sun exposure and avoiding grapefruit juice help manage potential side effects of the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

When educating a client on methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), certain key points should be included:

• Take folic acid supplements: Methotrexate inhibits folic acid reductase, which is necessary for the conversion of folic acid to tetrahydrofolic acid, thus potentially leading to folic acid deficiency. Taking folic acid supplements can help mitigate this effect.
• Limit sun exposure: Methotrexate can increase photosensitivity, making the skin more susceptible to sunlight. Patients should be advised to limit their exposure to sunlight to prevent skin complications.
• Avoid grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of methotrexate, affecting its efficiency and potentially increasing the risk of side effects.

While increasing dietary calcium intake is generally important for bone health, it is not specifically related to methotrexate therapy for RA and therefore is not included as a key point for methotrexate education.