Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 173
Which of the following client comments demonstrates that teaching has been successful regarding cyclosporine therapy?
A. "I need to mix the medicine in Styrofoam."
B. "I should take the medication on an empty stomach."
C. "If I vomit I should take another dose."
D. "I need to be consistent about when I take it and also monitor how much fat is in my food."
Correct Answer: D. “I need to be consistent about when i take it and also monitor how much fat is in my food.”
Cyclosporine needs to be taken consistently in relation to meals, and fat content should not vary to maintain serum levels. The patient’s BUN creatinine ratio, magnesium levels, and blood pressure require monitoring while on therapy. Uric acid monitoring is debatable. Therapeutic monitoring of cyclosporine in transplant patients is a valuable tool in adjusting drug dosage to prevent acute rejection, nephrotoxicity, and predictable dose-dependent adverse reactions.
Option A: Liquid cyclosporine can be diluted in milk, chocolate milk, or orange juice. Do not dilute in grapefruit, pineapple, or papaya juice. Use a glass container, not a Styrofoam cup. Stir the mixture well and have the child drink it immediately.
Option B: Capsules should be swallowed whole; they can be taken with or without food. Avoid taking this medication with grapefruit, pineapple, or papaya juice. Cyclosporine should be taken at the same time each day.
Option C: If the child misses several doses of cyclosporine because of vomiting, surgery, inability to swallow, or other reasons, he or she can receive cyclosporine intravenously. Tell the coordinator if the child is having problems receiving cyclosporine.