What safety precaution should a nurse consider when administering isotretinoin to a female patient?

When administering isotretinoin to a female patient, ensuring the patient uses effective birth control is crucial due to the high risk of teratogenic effects associated with the medication. Isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy, which is why it is essential for women of childbearing age to prevent conception while being treated with this medication.

Health care providers typically require female patients to participate in a risk management program, such as the iPLEDGE program in the United States, which emphasizes the use of two forms of effective contraception before, during, and after treatment. This precaution is a fundamental part of the patient education and counseling process when prescribing isotretinoin, making it imperative to reinforce the importance of reliable birth control to protect against potential fetal harm.

While other options, such as blood pressure monitoring or liver function checks, are relevant in a broader context of patient safety and medication management, they do not specifically address the unique and critical risks associated with isotretinoin in relation to pregnancy. Monitoring for signs of dehydration may be a concern in some circumstances, but it is not a primary safety precaution associated with isotretinoin therapy.