Nursing Elites

1. A patient is taking alendronate (Fosamax) for 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 at bedtime to ensure absorption during sleep.
• C. Take the medication with milk to enhance calcium absorption.
• 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 at bedtime (choice B) is not recommended as it can lead to esophageal irritation when lying down. Taking the medication with milk (choice C) is incorrect as it may interfere with the absorption of alendronate. Taking the medication with food (choice D) is not recommended as it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

2. Following a knee injury, a football player is taking ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for the control of pain. Which drug action is most likely to result in diminished sensation of pain for the player?

• A. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes
• B. Activation of opioid receptors
• C. Blocking of NMDA receptors
• D. Stimulation of serotonin receptors

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting these enzymes, which are involved in the production of prostaglandins that mediate pain and inflammation. This inhibition leads to decreased prostaglandin production, resulting in a decrease in pain and inflammation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because ibuprofen does not act on opioid receptors, NMDA receptors, or serotonin receptors to control pain. It primarily exerts its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects through COX enzyme inhibition.

3. During a flu shot clinic, one of the questions the student nurse asks relates to whether the client has a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The client asks, 'What is that?' How should the nursing student reply?

• A. A type of paralysis that affects movement on both sides of the body. It may even involve the respiratory muscles.
• B. Swelling of your arm where you got your flu shot and maybe your eyes and lips had some swelling as well.
• C. A degenerative disease where you have trouble walking without the help of a cane or walker.
• D. Influenza-like illness where you had fever and chills for 2 to 3 days after your last flu shot.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute immune-mediated polyneuropathy that can lead to paralysis affecting movement on both sides of the body, and in severe cases, involving the respiratory muscles. Choice B is incorrect as it describes local swelling, not the systemic effects of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a degenerative disease affecting mobility, not an acute immune-mediated condition like Guillain-Barré syndrome. Choice D is incorrect as it describes flu-like symptoms following a flu shot, which is not the same as Guillain-Barré syndrome.

4. In a postmenopausal woman, what condition can be prevented by administering estradiol (Estraderm)?

• A. Endometriosis
• B. Amenorrhea
• C. Osteoporosis
• D. Uterine cancer

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Osteoporosis. Estradiol, a form of estrogen, is used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women by maintaining bone density. Choice A, Endometriosis, is incorrect as estradiol is not used to prevent or treat this condition. Choice B, Amenorrhea, is not prevented by estradiol but rather may result from hormonal changes. Choice D, Uterine cancer, is not directly prevented by estradiol; in fact, long-term unopposed estrogen use can increase the risk of uterine cancer.

5. Rhabdomyolysis can result in serious complications. In addition to muscle pain and weakness, a patient will complain of:

• A. paresthesias.
• B. bone pain.
• C. dark urine.
• D. diarrhea.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is dark urine. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue, leading to the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream. Myoglobin can cause the urine to appear dark or tea-colored, a condition known as myoglobinuria. This is a classic symptom of rhabdomyolysis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not typically present as direct symptoms of rhabdomyolysis. Paresthesias refer to abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness, bone pain is not a primary symptom of rhabdomyolysis, and diarrhea is not a common complaint associated with this condition.

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