Which of these instructions should a nurse include for a client who will take clarithromycin (Biaxin) at home?

• A. Stop this medication if you develop nausea
• B. Avoid citrus juice
• C. Finishing taking all of these pills
• D. You may experience dizziness when changing positions

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that finishing the full antibiotic course is essential to truly eradicate the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance. When a client completes all prescribed clarithromycin pills, the likelihood of any remaining bacteria is minimized, which reduces the chance of relapse and the development of resistant strains. Stopping early, even if symptoms improve, can allow some bacteria to survive and regrow, making future treatment more difficult.

In this context, telling the client to complete the entire course is the instruction that most directly supports a successful outcome. While side effects like nausea or dizziness can occur and aren’t uncommon, they don’t trump the need to finish the medication. If nausea becomes troublesome, the nurse can suggest taking the dose with food or consulting the clinician for alternatives, but the guidance to finish all pills remains the priority.