Pharmacology Proctored ATI Practice Exam

What should a nurse do when a client receiving methotrexate reports bleeding gums?

1. Administer an anticoagulant reversal agent

2. Increase oral hygiene frequency

3. Check the client's current platelet count

4. Apply pressure to the gums

The correct answer is: Check the client's current platelet count

Bleeding gums can be a potential side effect of Methotrexate, a medication commonly used for chemotherapy and autoimmune diseases. In this situation, it's important for the nurse to first check the client's platelet count. This is because Methotrexate can cause a decrease in platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. By checking the platelet count, the nurse can determine if the bleeding is due to this medication or something else. Administering an anticoagulant reversal agent (option A) would be incorrect as this medication is used to reverse the effects of anticoagulants, which are blood-thinning medications. Increasing oral hygiene frequency (option B) may be a helpful nursing intervention, but it does not address the underlying cause of the bleeding. Applying pressure to the gums (option D) may provide temporary relief, but it is not a long-term solution. Therefore, checking the client's platelet count (option C) is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation.