National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What should a physical therapist do when a patient reports nausea after a change in methotrexate medication?

1. Explain to the patient that nausea is common

2. Ask the patient to stop taking the medication

3. Request that the patient make an appointment with the physician

4. Request that the patient contact the physician's office

The correct answer is: Request that the patient contact the physician's office

When a patient reports nausea after a change in methotrexate medication, it is crucial for the physical therapist to ensure that the patient receives appropriate medical attention. Requesting that the patient contact the physician's office is the best course of action because it allows for a direct communication line with the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication. This step is important for several reasons: 1. Nausea can be a side effect of methotrexate, and it may indicate that the dose needs to be adjusted or that there might be an adverse reaction that requires reevaluation by a physician. The healthcare provider can assess the patient's overall condition and determine whether further actions are needed. 2. The physician can provide guidance specific to the patient's medical history, concurrent medications, and overall treatment plan, ensuring that the patient receives the safest and most effective care. 3. Encouraging the patient to reach out helps to establish and maintain safe practices regarding medication management, empowering the patient to take an active role in their healthcare decisions. In contrast, simply explaining that nausea is common might minimize the patient's experience and overlook the importance of addressing potential changes in treatment. Advising the patient to stop taking the medication could lead to unintended consequences and should only be done by a physician. While