A client on zafirlukast for chronic asthma reports new fatig… | MyMerci
Medical Emergencies PA
Question

A client on zafirlukast for chronic asthma reports new fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Which is the priority nursing action?

Explanation
Correct (2): Zafirlukast and zileuton carry hepatotoxicity warnings. Symptoms — fatigue, RUQ pain, jaundice, dark urine, clay-colored stools — strongly suggest cholestatic liver injury. Hold the drug, notify provider, urgent LFT (AST/ALT/bilirubin). (1) Not asthma symptoms. (3) Higher dose worsens liver injury. (4) Cholestyramine without diagnosis is inappropriate.

In-depth explanation

Memory Tip Zafirlukast/zileuton = "Z = Zafir LFT-watch." Baseline and periodic LFT recommended. Montelukast has lower hepatotoxic risk but neuropsych warning instead.

Clinical scenario

Scenario 45-year-old female on zafirlukast 20 mg PO BID × 3 months for chronic asthma. Now reports fatigue, RUQ pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, scleral icterus.

Key concepts

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