The nurse administers risedronate to a client with osteoporosis at 0700. The client asks for a glass of milk to drink with the medication.
What action should the nurse take?
A Instruct the client that it is necessary to take nothing but water with the medication.
B Withhold the medication until the client’s breakfast tray is available on the unit.
C Consult with a pharmacist about scheduling the dose one hour after the client eats.
D Assign an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to bring the client a glass of low-fat milk.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Instruct the client that it is necessary to take nothing but water with the medication.
Explanation:
Risedronate is a bisphosphonate used to prevent or treat osteoporosis by slowing bone loss and increasing bone density. The absorption of risedronate is significantly affected by food, beverages, and other substances, particularly calcium-rich products such as milk. Risedronate must be taken on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption and efficacy. Drinking milk or consuming other foods can interfere with how well the body absorbs the medication, which could reduce its effectiveness in treating osteoporosis.
To maximize absorption and effectiveness, risedronate should be taken first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water. The client should also remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication to prevent esophageal irritation or damage, a common side effect of bisphosphonates.
Let’s break down the other options:
- B. Withholding the medication until the client’s breakfast tray arrives would delay treatment and reduce the effectiveness of risedronate. It’s meant to be taken on an empty stomach, not with food.
- C. Consulting with a pharmacist about scheduling the dose one hour after eating is unnecessary because the recommendation is to take risedronate on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
- D. Assigning a UAP to bring low-fat milk would hinder the medication’s absorption since milk contains calcium, which binds to the drug and interferes with its effectiveness.
The nurse should educate the client about the importance of taking risedronate with plain water and waiting 30 minutes before consuming any other food or drink.