Mary Johnson is a 31-year-old elementary school teacher who has been diagnosed with theumatoid arthritis. She is currently taking methotrexate for this condition 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 young children. Her primary care provider has prescribed etanercept (Enbrel) to be given in addition to the methotrexate.
- Ms. Johnson asks the nurse to explain how the etanercept and methotrexare work and asks why she is to continue taking the methotrexate when it has not helped. How should the nurse respond?
- Discuss the nursing assessments and interventions that the nurse should implement to reduce Ms. Johnson's risk of infection.
- What additional precautions should the nurse take to minimize adverse effects from Ms. Johnson's medications?