What question should a nurse ask to assess the effectiveness of leflunomide (Arava) treatment for a client?

When assessing the effectiveness of leflunomide (Arava) treatment, asking about joint pain directly evaluates the medication's primary therapeutic goal, which is to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions associated with joint inflammation. Leflunomide works by inhibiting the proliferation of rapidly dividing cells, including those in the immune system that cause inflammation in the joints. Therefore, a reduction or absence of joint pain would indicate that the treatment is effectively managing the underlying condition.

Although the other symptoms mentioned can occur with leflunomide use, they do not directly reflect the primary outcomes of treatment. For instance, while diarrhea can be a side effect worth monitoring, it does not provide information about the effectiveness of the drug in reducing joint inflammation. Similarly, headaches and heartburn, while potentially relevant to the patient's overall well-being, do not specifically gauge the drug's intended effect on joint symptoms. Thus, in the context of leflunomide, the most pertinent question aligns with assessing joint pain and inflammation.