Answer:
Option C, doses are taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal
Step-by-step explanation:
Sorafenib is an antineoplastic medication given to inhibit tumor growth in patients with various carcinomas. The medication is often administered PO, or by mouth, by way of an oral tablet, ruling out option A.
During the first six weeks of treatment and thereafter periodically, the patient's blood pressure is monitored for signs of hypertension (HTN), a frequent side effect of the medication, and if present, the HTN is graded; with this, the provider then decides to hold, resume, or discontinue the medication. The only lab test obtained prior to beginning the pharmacotherapy is a negative pregnancy test because this medication is teratogenic, meaning it will cause malformations in developing fetuses and embryos. This rules out option B, though an ejection fraction may be used to monitor patients with heart failure (HF) that are taking this medication.
One of this medications common side effects is the ability to cause hypocalcemia, or decreased calcium levels, the opposite of what option D is suggesting. The provider will monitor for this occurrence periodically, especially in patients with HF or those with known dysrhythmias.
This leaves us with our answer. The patient should be instructed to take the medication at least 1 hours before a meal or 2 hours after, swallowing the tablets whole with water, likely for faster and more effective absorption and or an overall increased effectiveness.