Final answer:
When administering methotrexate for an ectopic pregnancy, the nurse must confirm the prescription, check the patient's history, and monitor for side effects. Methotrexate stops the growth of the embryo by inhibiting folic acid metabolism. Early administration can prevent the need for surgery, but if there's a rupture, surgery is required.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse is preparing to administer methotrexate to a client who is experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. To do this safely and effectively, the nurse must first confirm the prescription and dosage, check the patient's medical history, and be prepared to monitor the patient closely for side effects and therapeutic response. Methotrexate, a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent, works by inhibiting the metabolism of folic acid which is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell replication. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, which often occurs due to scar tissue in the uterine tube from a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, methotrexate can halt the growth of the embryo by inhibiting folic acid reductase.
The administration of methotrexate is a critical intervention that can prevent the need for surgical procedures, especially if the ectopic pregnancy is identified early. In cases where there is a late diagnosis and the tube has ruptured, surgery becomes inevitable for the patient's safety. Accurate administration of methotrexate, along with careful follow-up, can provide a non-surgical option for managing an ectopic pregnancy while minimizing potential harm to the patient's reproductive health.