What instruction should a nurse provide for someone taking praziquantel for a helminth infection?

The instruction to take all three doses prescribed for praziquantel is correct because completing the entire course of treatment is essential for effectively eliminating the helminth infection. Praziquantel is often used in a multi-dose regimen to ensure that the drug remains effective against the entire population of parasites, including those at different stages of their life cycle. Stopping the medication too soon, even if symptoms improve, can lead to incomplete treatment and the potential for the infection to persist or recur.

In addition, while the medication may be effective in a single dose for some types of infections, the specific treatment plan, including the number of doses, is tailored to the type of helminth being treated and individual patient needs. Proper adherence to the prescribed regimen maximizes the chances of a successful outcome and minimizes the risk of developing drug resistance.

On the other hand, simply taking one dose or stopping the medication when feeling better fails to address the need for an adequate therapeutic regimen, and taking praziquantel without considering food intake may not utilize the medication's full efficacy; it is indeed recommended to take it with food to enhance absorption, but following the complete dosing schedule remains most critical.