Nursing Elites

1. A client on an acute medicine unit of a hospital with a diagnosis of small bowel obstruction is reporting intense, diffuse pain in her abdomen. Which physiologic phenomenon is most likely contributing to her complaint?

• A. Somatic pain resulting from pressure on the parietal peritoneum
• B. Referred pain from her small bowel
• C. Visceral pain resulting from distension and ischemia
• D. Neuropathic pain resulting from autonomic dysfunction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Visceral pain is associated with distension, ischemia, and inflammation of internal organs. In the case of a small bowel obstruction, the intense, diffuse pain reported by the client is likely due to the distension and ischemia of the small bowel. Somatic pain (Choice A) would be more localized and sharp, typically arising from the parietal peritoneum. Referred pain (Choice B) is pain perceived at a site distant from the actual pathology. Neuropathic pain (Choice D) involves dysfunction or damage to the nervous system and is not typically associated with the described physiologic phenomenon of distension and ischemia in the context of a small bowel obstruction.

2. A 56-year-old woman has been experiencing memory loss and confusion for the past year. The client is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Which finding is most characteristic of this disease?

• A. Neurofibrillary tangles in the brain
• B. Demyelination of neurons in the brain
• C. Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques
• D. Formation of Lewy bodies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques are formed from the buildup of beta-amyloid protein fragments between nerve cells. Choice A, neurofibrillary tangles, are a hallmark of another neurodegenerative disease called Alzheimer's disease. Choice B, demyelination of neurons, is more characteristic of diseases like multiple sclerosis. Choice D, formation of Lewy bodies, is associated with Lewy body dementia, not Alzheimer's disease.

3. A patient is receiving chloroquine (Aralen) for extraintestinal amebiasis. Which of the following medications should be administered with chloroquine?

• A. Iodoquinol (Yodoxin)
• B. Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• C. Metyrosine (Demser)
• D. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Metronidazole (Flagyl). When treating extraintestinal amebiasis, chloroquine is often used in combination with metronidazole to ensure the eradication of the parasite. Metronidazole helps to target the infection more effectively. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Iodoquinol (Yodoxin) is another antiprotozoal agent but is not typically used in combination with chloroquine for amebiasis. Metyrosine (Demser) is used in the management of pheochromocytoma, and carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug, neither of which are indicated for extraintestinal amebiasis.

4. A patient with a history of osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate (Fosamax). What instructions should the nurse provide to ensure the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Take the medication with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption.
• B. Take the medication with milk to enhance calcium absorption.
• C. Take the medication at bedtime to ensure absorption during sleep.
• D. Take the medication with food to prevent nausea.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water and patients should remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption. Taking the medication with milk (choice B) is not recommended as it may interfere with the absorption of alendronate. Taking the medication at bedtime (choice C) is not necessary for optimal absorption. Taking the medication with food (choice D) is also not recommended as food can reduce the absorption of alendronate.

5. An adult patient has begun treatment with fluconazole. The nurse should recognize the need to likely discontinue the drug if the patient develops which of the following signs or symptoms?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Weight gain
• C. Iron deficiency anemia
• D. Hematuria

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Jaundice. Fluconazole, an antifungal medication, can rarely cause hepatotoxicity, which may manifest as jaundice. Monitoring for signs of liver dysfunction, such as jaundice, is crucial during fluconazole therapy. Weight gain, iron deficiency anemia, and hematuria are not commonly associated with fluconazole use and are not indications for discontinuing the drug.

Similar Questions