Question

The patient has been prescribed infliximab (Remicade) for severe rheumatoid arthritis. Her spouse calls the clinic and states his wife has a fever of 101.9, chills, nausea and vomiting, and is very dizzy. What will the nurse advise the patient's spouse to do?

a. nothing, these are common side effects of infliximab medication
b. Have the patient take a cool bath
c. Wait 24 hours and if symptoms continue call back.
d. Bring the patient to the emergency department or clinic for further evaluation.

Answer 1

Symptoms such as a high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and significant dizziness in a patient taking infliximab are potentially serious, warranting immediate medical evaluation. These symptoms are not typical side effects and should not be ignored or managed without medical supervision.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient on infliximab (Remicade) for severe rheumatoid arthritis displays symptoms such as a fever of 101.9, chills, nausea and vomiting, and significant dizziness, these could potentially be signs of a serious infection or adverse drug reaction.

These are not common side effects of infliximab medication; therefore, options a, b, and c are not advisable. The most appropriate action would be option d: Bring the patient to the emergency department or clinic for further evaluation. Taking a cool bath or waiting 24 hours could delay necessary medical intervention, and downplaying the symptoms as common side effects could be dangerous. It is important for healthcare providers to assess these symptoms promptly to rule out severe complications such as a severe infection or an infusion reaction.