Question

The nurse in a clinic is preparing a teaching plan for clients with fibromyalgia who have been prescribed pregabalin (Lyrica). Which would the nurse inchude in the teaching plan? A. The drug can cause extreme hyperactivity. B. Constipation can require discontinuation of the drug- C. Take as directed and do not stop or skip doses. D. Expect weight loss while taking the drug.

Short answer

Answer: Take as directed and do not stop or skip doses.

Step-by-step solution

Examine each choice.

Read each choice and consider whether it accurately describes the effects or usage of pregabalin. Option A: The drug can cause extreme hyperactivity. Option B: Constipation can require discontinuation of the drug. Option C: Take as directed and do not stop or skip doses. Option D: Expect weight loss while taking the drug.

Evaluate the accuracy of each choice.

Assess the accuracy of each choice based on the known effects and proper usage of pregabalin: Option A: Pregabalin can cause dizziness and drowsiness, but not extreme hyperactivity. This choice is not accurate. Option B: While constipation may occur as a side effect of taking pregabalin, it does not generally require discontinuation of the drug. This choice is not accurate. Option C: It is crucial for the patient to take pregabalin as directed by their healthcare provider and not to stop or skip doses as it may result in withdrawal symptoms or decreased effectiveness of the medication. This choice is accurate. Option D: Weight gain, not weight loss, is a possible side effect of taking pregabalin. This choice is not accurate.

Select the correct answer.

Based on the evaluation of each choice, select the most accurate and relevant option: The correct answer is Option C: Take as directed and do not stop or skip doses.

Key concepts

Fibromyalgia Patient Education

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. Educating patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia is crucial in helping them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. When pregabalin (Lyrica) is prescribed, part of the education should focus on how the medication works to decrease pain and improve sleep.

It's important for patients to understand that pregabalin can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms but is not a cure. A comprehensive education plan might include information on proper dosing, the importance of taking the medication as directed, and what to do if a dose is missed. Patients should also be informed about other non-pharmacological strategies such as regular exercise, stress management techniques, and a balanced diet that can help manage their symptoms in conjunction with medication.

Medication Adherence

Medication adherence refers to whether patients take their medications as prescribed, as well as whether they continue to take a prescribed medication. Adherence to medication regimens is critical in the management of chronic conditions, including fibromyalgia. Pregabalin, often used to alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms, should be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare provider.

Patients should be educated on the importance of maintaining consistent blood levels of the medication to manage pain effectively. This involves taking the medication at the same times every day, not skipping doses, and not stopping the medication abruptly unless advised by a doctor. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a potential rebound in pain. Patients should also understand how to store the medication properly and the importance of regular follow-up appointments to monitor their response to the medication and adjust doses if necessary.

Pregabalin Side Effects

While pregabalin can be effective in managing fibromyalgia symptoms, patients should be made aware of its potential side effects to ensure they can identify and report any adverse effects to their healthcare provider promptly. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.

More serious side effects may also occur, such as vision changes, unusual bleeding or bruising, muscle pain or weakness, and swelling of the hands or feet. Weight gain can also be a complication, contrary to the notion of weight loss as mentioned in the exercise. Educating patients on side effects is an essential step to ensure that they can differentiate between manageable side effects and those that require medical attention. Patients should also be taught to avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until they know how the medication affects them.