Question

The nurse is teaching a client with rheumatoid arthritis about etanercept. Which of the following statements by the client indicates no further teaching is needed?

A
"If you keep the medication in a refrigerator, be sure to allow it to warm to room temperature before injecting it." Correct Answer (Blank)
B
"The medication needs to be mixed well. You can shake the bottle to mix it."
C
"You will need to come into the clinic every 6 weeks to receive an intravenous infusion."
D
"Take the medication daily, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach."

Answer 1

Option (A), The client correctly understands the administration of etanercept when stating the medication should be allowed to warm to room temperature before use.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client's statement indicating no further teaching is needed regarding the administration of etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is: "If you keep the medication in a refrigerator, be sure to allow it to warm to room temperature before injecting it." This statement reflects an appropriate understanding of the medication's storage and handling requirements.

Etanercept is a biological agent used to manage RA by inhibiting the inflammatory response driven by the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Unlike options B, C, and D, this instruction is accurate for etanercept administration.

Evidence suggests that rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease involving an autoimmune component. As there is no cure for RA, treatment focuses on the reduction of symptoms and the prevention of joint damage. Rest, canes, joint splints, exercise, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids are among lower-intensity treatments, while more significant cases might require surgery or disease-modifying agents like etanercept.