Before isotretinoin administration, which medication should prompt the nurse to contact the healthcare provider?

Isotretinoin is a potent medication mainly used for severe acne and has a risk of causing significant side effects, particularly related to vitamin A levels in the body. Both isotretinoin and vitamin A are retinoids, and taking them together can lead to an increased risk of hypervitaminosis A. This condition can lead to symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness, and it can be particularly dangerous during isotretinoin therapy due to the already heightened risk of adverse effects.

Because vitamin A supplementation can potentiate the effects of isotretinoin, it is crucial for the nurse to assess any patient currently taking vitamin A before initiating therapy with isotretinoin. By contacting the healthcare provider, the nurse ensures that any potential interactions are evaluated, and the treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly to prevent complications.

While the other medications listed may have their own considerations, they do not pose the same risk of severe interaction with isotretinoin as vitamin A does. For instance, digoxin deals with heart conditions and has different considerations, furosemide is a diuretic that addresses fluid retention, and phenytoin is an anticonvulsant medication. None of these directly interact with isotretinoin in