Nursing Elites

1. A patient is starting on alendronate (Fosamax) for the treatment of osteoporosis. 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.
• 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 alendronate absorption. Taking it at bedtime (choice C) is not necessary and may increase the risk of esophageal irritation. Taking the medication with food (choice D) can reduce its absorption and effectiveness.

2. A client with a history of smoking presents with a chronic cough and shortness of breath. The nurse should suspect which condition?

• A. Pulmonary fibrosis
• B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• C. Lung cancer
• D. Pulmonary edema

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is often associated with a chronic cough and shortness of breath, especially in individuals with a history of smoking. Pulmonary fibrosis (choice A) typically presents with progressive dyspnea and dry cough. Lung cancer (choice C) may present with a chronic cough, shortness of breath, and other symptoms like weight loss and hemoptysis. Pulmonary edema (choice D) presents with symptoms such as acute shortness of breath, orthopnea, and pink, frothy sputum.

3. After experiencing several months of worsening nocturia, a patient has been assessed for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and has begun drug treatment. In addition to nocturia, what other sign or symptom is most likely to accompany BPH?

• A. Hematuria
• B. Erectile dysfunction
• C. Urinary frequency
• D. Flank pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is hematuria. Hematuria, which is the presence of blood in the urine, is a common sign associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). It can occur due to irritation or damage to the prostate tissue. While urinary frequency and erectile dysfunction can also be seen in BPH patients, hematuria is more specifically linked to prostate issues. Flank pain is not typically a direct symptom of BPH.

4. A patient is hospitalized due to nonadherence to an antitubercular drug treatment. Which of the following is most important for the nurse to do?

• A. Observe the patient taking the medications.
• B. Administer the medications parenterally.
• C. Instruct the family on the medication regimen.
• D. Count the number of tablets in the bottle daily.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the most crucial action for the nurse to take is to observe the patient taking the medications. This ensures that the patient is actually consuming the prescribed antitubercular drugs, addressing the issue of nonadherence directly. Administering the medications parenterally (intravenously or intramuscularly) is not necessary unless there are specific medical reasons requiring this route of administration. Instructing the family on the medication regimen is important for support but may not directly address the patient's nonadherence. Counting the number of tablets in the bottle daily is not as effective as directly observing the patient taking the medications to ensure compliance.

5. A patient taking oral contraceptives reports breakthrough bleeding. What should the nurse assess in this patient?

• A. Adherence to the medication schedule
• B. The possibility of pregnancy
• C. The need for an increased dosage
• D. The effectiveness of the current oral contraceptive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient on oral contraceptives experiences breakthrough bleeding, the nurse should assess the patient's adherence to the medication schedule. Breakthrough bleeding can be a sign of missed doses or inconsistent timing, which can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Assessing the patient's adherence helps in ensuring proper use of the medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because breakthrough bleeding is more likely related to adherence issues rather than pregnancy, the need for increased dosage, or the effectiveness of the current oral contraceptive.

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