Pyridoxine supplementation is needed for a patient receiving:

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2021

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2021

Explanation

Isoniazid (INH), a primary drug for treating tuberculosis, is known to interfere with the metabolism of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6).
This interference increases the excretion of pyridoxine, leading to a deficiency.
A deficiency in Vitamin B6 can cause peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage characterized by tingling, numbness, and pain in the extremities.
To prevent this adverse effect, routine supplementation with pyridoxine is a standard of care for all patients receiving isoniazid therapy.

Option A: Rifampicin, another anti-tubercular drug, does not cause pyridoxine deficiency. Its most notable side effect is the harmless orange-red discoloration of body fluids like urine, tears, and sweat.
Option C: Co-trimoxazole is an antibiotic that acts as a folate antagonist. It can lead to folate deficiency and subsequent megaloblastic anemia, but it does not affect pyridoxine levels.
Option D: Chloroquine is an antimalarial drug. Its most significant long-term side effect is irreversible retinopathy (damage to the retina). It is not associated with pyridoxine deficiency.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Pharmacology: Drug-Induced Nutrient Deficiency and Supplementation to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education regarding anti-tubercular therapy. They must explain that pyridoxine is not just a vitamin but a necessary medication to prevent a serious side effect of Isoniazid.
A key nursing assessment for patients on Isoniazid includes regularly asking about and documenting any signs of peripheral neuropathy, such as tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the hands or feet.
Early detection and reporting of neuropathy symptoms are vital for patient safety and can prompt adjustments in the pyridoxine dosage.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. It's asking about a specific drug that necessitates supplementation with pyridoxine (Vitamin B6).
This is a factual recall question based on pharmacology knowledge. Access your memory or knowledge base regarding the side effects of the listed drugs.
Consider each option: Rifampicin is known for orange body fluids. Co-trimoxazole affects folate metabolism. Chloroquine is associated with eye damage.
Recall that Isoniazid (INH) has a well-known and clinically significant interaction with Vitamin B6, causing a deficiency that leads to peripheral neuropathy.
Therefore, match pyridoxine supplementation directly with Isoniazid as the standard preventive measure for its neurotoxic side effect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacology: Drug-Induced Nutrient Deficiency and Supplementation
Stem keywords: Pyridoxine supplementation, patient receiving
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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