Question

A nurse is planning care for a female client who has severe irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea [IBS-D] and a new prescription for Alosetron. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A. The client must sign an agreement with the provider before beginning alosetron.
B. The client must stop taking alosetron if diarrhea continues 1 week after beginning the medication.
C. The client should expect to have a slower heart rate while taking alosetron.
D. The client should use a barrier birth control method because alosetron interacts with oral contraceptives.

Answer 1

When starting Alosetron for IBS-D, the client must sign an agreement with the healthcare provider (option A) as part of the Alosetron Risk Management Program. Other options mentioned are either incorrect or not specifically required by the FDA for accessing Alosetron.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse planning care for a female client with severe irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) and a new prescription for Alosetron should include the following intervention in the plan of care: The client must sign an agreement with the provider before beginning alosetron. This is part of a program called the Alosetron Risk Management Program, which involves agreeing to certain conditions and understanding possible risks associated with the medication. This medication potently blocks serotonin (5-HT3) receptors, which play a role in gut motility and sensation.

While the other options might seem plausible, only requiring an agreement is a specific requirement set by the FDA for the use of Alosetron due to the risks of serious gastrointestinal side effects, such as severe constipation or decreased blood flow to the colon.

It's important to note that alosetron does not typically cause a slower heart rate, and there are no commonly known interactions with oral contraceptives. If the client notices that the diarrhea persists or worsens, it's crucial to report this to the healthcare provider immediately but stopping the medication would be based on the healthcare provider's discretion and assessment.