a patient is starting on oral contraceptives what important information should the nurse provide regarding the timing of the medication

ATI RN

ATI Pathophysiology Exam

1. When starting on oral contraceptives, what important information should the nurse provide regarding the timing of the medication?

A. Oral contraceptives must be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels and ensure effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
B. Oral contraceptives can be taken at any time of day as long as the schedule is consistent.
C. Oral contraceptives should be taken with food to enhance absorption.
D. Oral contraceptives can be skipped occasionally without significant consequences.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When starting on oral contraceptives, it is crucial to take them at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels and ensure effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect because consistency in timing is essential for optimal efficacy. Choice C is inaccurate as oral contraceptives do not need to be taken with food for absorption. Choice D is incorrect because missing doses or skipping oral contraceptives can reduce their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

2. A patient is being educated on the administration of tinidazole (Tindamax). Which of the following indicates that the patient understands the administration of tinidazole?

A. “I will report to the doctor if I have a slow heart rate.”
B. “The medicine will leave a bitter or metallic taste in my mouth.”
C. “I will report urinary urgency and incontinence.”
D. “The medication is given in two doses every day.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Tinidazole (Tindamax) is known to cause a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth. This side effect is common and indicates that the patient understands the medication they are taking. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically relate to the common side effects or administration details of tinidazole.

3. A nurse practitioner is assessing a 7-year-old boy who has been brought to the clinic by his mother, who is concerned about her son's increasingly frequent, severe headaches. Which of the nurse's questions is least likely to yield data that will confirm or rule out migraines as the cause of his problem?

A. Does your son experience nausea or vomiting when he has a headache?
B. Does your son have a history of recent head injury?
C. Does your son become sensitive to light when he has a headache?
D. Does anyone in your family have a history of migraines?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Asking about a history of recent head injury is less likely to yield data relevant to confirming or ruling out migraines. Migraines are often associated with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and a family history of migraines. While head injuries can cause headaches, the focus of the assessment in this case should be on symptoms more specific to migraines to guide the diagnosis and management.

4. What is the etiology and most likely treatment for myasthenia gravis in a 22-year-old female college student?

A. Autoimmune destruction of skeletal muscle cells; treatment with intensive physical therapy and anabolic steroids.
B. A decline in functioning acetylcholine receptors; treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins.
C. Cerebellar lesions; surgical and immunosuppressive treatment.
D. Excess acetylcholinesterase production; treatment with thymectomy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Myasthenia gravis is characterized by a decline in functioning acetylcholine receptors rather than autoimmune destruction of skeletal muscle cells (Choice A), cerebellar lesions (Choice C), or excess acetylcholinesterase production (Choice D). The most likely treatment for myasthenia gravis involves corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and intravenous immunoglobulins to block the antibodies attacking acetylcholine receptors. Intensive physical therapy and anabolic steroids are not primary treatments for myasthenia gravis.

5. Macular degeneration occurs as a result of:

A. loss of lens accommodation
B. detachment of the retina
C. increased intraocular pressure
D. impaired blood supply leading to cellular waste accumulation and ischemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, a part of the retina responsible for central vision. It is primarily caused by impaired blood supply to the macula, leading to cellular waste accumulation and ischemia. This results in the death of photoreceptor cells and ultimately vision loss. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because macular degeneration is not related to the loss of lens accommodation, detachment of the retina, or increased intraocular pressure. The correct answer directly addresses the underlying pathophysiology of macular degeneration.