Trevor Skales is a 23-year-old with an upcoming month-long eco-tour vacation planned to a rain forest in South America. He has been planning this trip since he graduated from college and will be...

Trevor Skales is a 23-year-old with an upcoming month-long eco-tour vacation planned to a rain forest in South America. He has been planning this trip since he graduated from college and will be leaving in 3 weeks with two college friends. He has researched the trip and knows about the possible endemic diseases in the area including tuberculosis, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, leprosy, and malaria. After discussing the trip with his health care provider, malaria carries the biggest threat for transmission during Trevor’s trip. He has had a complete physical exam and is up to date on all required vaccinations. His provider has also screened for the possibility of a G6PD deficiency, and Trevor has had a thorough eye examination. The provider has ordered chloroquine (Aralen) for Trevor. He is to begin taking it 2 weeks before his trip, every week throughout his trip, and for 1 month after returning home.

1. Why was chloroquine (Aralen) ordered for Trevor before he has started his trip?

2. Why are special screening for G6PD deficiency and an eye examination important?

3. Trevor asks why he needs to continue to take the chloroquine (Aralen) after he returns home. As his nurse, what would you teach him about the drug dosing schedule and about symptoms to watch for?

4. What adverse effects are associated with chloroquine (Aralen) therapy?