A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for colchicine to treat gout. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A.
“Take this medication with food if nausea develops.”
B.
“Monitor for muscle pain.”
C.
“Expect to have increased bruising.”
D.
“Increase your intake of grapefruit juice.”
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. “Monitor for muscle pain.”
Colchicine is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of acute gout flares. It works by reducing inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in the joints, but it also has potential side effects that clients should be aware of, particularly muscle pain, known as myopathy, or even rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
Explanation:
- Muscle Pain (Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis):
Muscle pain is a potential serious side effect of colchicine, particularly if the client is also taking other medications that increase the risk, such as statins. Clients need to be informed to monitor for signs of muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as this could indicate colchicine-induced myopathy or, in rare cases, rhabdomyolysis. Early detection can prevent severe complications. - Why Not the Other Options?
- A. “Take this medication with food if nausea develops.”
Colchicine is often associated with gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but the recommendation is not to take it with food. Taking it with food does not reduce the risk of these side effects. If severe nausea occurs, the provider should be notified to adjust the dosage or discontinue the medication. - C. “Expect to have increased bruising.”
Increased bruising is not a known or common side effect of colchicine. Bruising is more associated with medications like anticoagulants or corticosteroids. - D. “Increase your intake of grapefruit juice.”
Grapefruit juice actually inhibits the metabolism of colchicine and can increase its toxicity. Therefore, patients should be advised to avoid grapefruit juice while taking colchicine to prevent potential overdose.
In conclusion, the most important instruction is for the client to monitor for muscle pain, as this can be an indicator of a serious adverse effect requiring prompt medical attention.