How should the nurse respond regarding the safety of mebendazole for a client with diabetic nephropathy?

The correct response regarding mebendazole's safety for a client with diabetic nephropathy is informed by the drug's pharmacokinetics. Mebendazole is primarily excreted through the feces, meaning its elimination from the body is not significantly impacted by renal function. This characteristic is crucial for patients with impaired kidney function, such as those with diabetic nephropathy, as it implies a lower risk of drug accumulation in the body and associated toxicity.

In contrast, some medications are primarily excreted by the kidneys and can pose risks for individuals with compromised renal function. In this case, since mebendazole’s route of elimination does not rely on kidney excretion, the safety profile remains largely intact for this population, making it a suitable option.

Other considerations regarding mebendazole and renal health would not apply here. For instance, stating that mebendazole is not recommended for clients with kidney problems does not align with its excretion profile. Likewise, monitoring renal function closely during treatment may not be necessary specifically for mebendazole due to its minimal renal excretion. Therefore, the response regarding diminished risk due to fecal excretion effectively addresses the safety concerns for a patient with diabetic nephropathy.