Problem:
Mary Johnson is a 31-year-old elementary school teacher who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). She is currently taking methotrexate for the RA but has continued to experience significant joint pain, particularly in her hands. She tells the nurse during her office visit today that her pain and joint stiffness are making it difficult for her to work and to care for her two children, ages 4 and 6. Her primary care provider has prescribed etanercept to be given in addition to the methotrexate therapy.
Mrs. Johnson asks the nurse to explain how the etanercept and methotrexate work and asks why she is to continue on the methotrexate when it has not helped. How should the nurse respond?
Discuss the nursing assessments and interventions that should be implemented to reduce the risk of infection for Mrs. Johnson. Need Assignment Help?
What additional precautions should be taken in order to prevent adverse effects from Mrs. Johnson's medications?