Question

Before administering Methytrexate orally to the client with cancer, the nurse should check the: A. IV site B. Electrolytes C. Blood gases D. Vital signs

Short answer

A. IV site B. Electrolytes C. Blood gases D. Vital signs Answer: D. Vital signs

Step-by-step solution

Understand the question and the options given

The question asks which of the four given options is the most crucial factor to check before administering Methytrexate to a cancer patient. Methytrexate is a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer, and the safety and efficacy of the treatment depend on the patient's overall physical condition and ability to tolerate side effects.

Evaluate the importance of checking A. IV site

Before administering an oral medication, checking the IV site is not necessary. An IV site is important when administering medications intravenously, but as the Methytrexate is given orally in this case, checking the IV site is not relevant.

Evaluate the importance of checking B. Electrolytes

Electrolyte imbalances can be a concern for patients, especially when dealing with chemotherapy medications. Methytrexate, however, does not significantly affect electrolyte levels. While it's essential to monitor electrolyte levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy, checking them is not the highest priority before administering Methytrexate orally.

Evaluate the importance of checking C. Blood gases

Blood gas analysis assesses how well a patient's lungs can exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. While this information is crucial for patients with respiratory difficulties, it is not directly related to the administration of Methytrexate. Therefore, checking blood gases before administering Methytrexate orally is not essential.

Evaluate the importance of checking D. Vital signs

Checking vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate, is crucial for monitoring a patient's overall condition. Methytrexate may cause side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems and immunosuppression, and vital signs help to ensure that the patient is stable enough to tolerate the medication. Therefore, checking vital signs is the most important factor to consider before administrating Methytrexate orally.

Choose the correct answer

Based on the evaluation of the importance of each factor, the correct answer to this question is D. Vital signs.