Nursing Elites

1. A patient is taking raloxifene (Evista) for osteoporosis. What is the primary therapeutic effect of this medication?

• A. It stimulates the formation of new bone.
• B. It decreases bone resorption and increases bone density.
• C. It increases the excretion of calcium through the kidneys.
• D. It increases calcium absorption in the intestines.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), primarily works by decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone density. This mechanism of action helps in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by maintaining or improving bone strength. Choice A is incorrect because raloxifene does not directly stimulate the formation of new bone but rather helps in preserving existing bone. Choice C is incorrect because raloxifene does not increase the excretion of calcium through the kidneys; instead, it acts on bone tissue. Choice D is incorrect as raloxifene does not directly increase calcium absorption in the intestines but rather focuses on bone health.

2. A report comes back indicating that muscular atrophy has occurred. A nurse recalls that muscular atrophy involves a decrease in muscle cell size:

• A. Number
• B. Size
• C. Vacuoles
• D. Lipofuscin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Size. Muscular atrophy is characterized by a reduction in the size of muscle cells. This decrease in size can be due to various factors such as disuse, aging, or disease. Choice A, Number, is incorrect because muscular atrophy does not involve a decrease in the number of muscle cells but rather their size. Choice C, Vacuoles, is incorrect as vacuoles are not directly related to the definition of muscular atrophy. Choice D, Lipofuscin, is incorrect as lipofuscin is a pigment associated with aging and has no direct connection to the decrease in muscle cell size seen in muscular atrophy.

3. Which of the following describes the damage to the brain that results in cerebral palsy?

• A. Reversible with cognitive therapy in infancy
• B. Transient and resolves in adulthood through physical therapy
• C. Manifests in adulthood after regular childhood activities
• D. Irreversible and occurs before, during, or after birth or infancy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Cerebral palsy involves irreversible damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth, impacting movement and coordination. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cerebral palsy is not reversible with cognitive therapy or physical therapy, does not resolve in adulthood, and does not manifest in adulthood after regular childhood activities.

4. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. What is a key point the nurse should include in the patient education?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water to ensure proper absorption.
• B. Do not take this medication with calcium supplements.
• C. Avoid taking this medication with grapefruit juice.
• D. Take the medication with food to enhance absorption.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, typically 30 minutes to an hour before breakfast, to ensure proper absorption. Taking it with food, calcium supplements, or grapefruit juice can interfere with its absorption. Choice B is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with calcium supplements can reduce its effectiveness. Choice C is incorrect because grapefruit juice can also interfere with levothyroxine absorption. Choice D is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with food can decrease its absorption.

5. A patient is prescribed medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) for the treatment of endometriosis. What important instruction should the nurse provide about the use of this medication?

• A. Take the medication with food to prevent nausea.
• B. Discontinue the medication if side effects occur.
• C. Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels.
• D. Avoid prolonged sun exposure while taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels. This is crucial for the effectiveness of medroxyprogesterone acetate in treating endometriosis. Choice A is incorrect because there is no specific instruction related to food intake. Choice B is incorrect because discontinuing the medication without consulting a healthcare provider can be harmful. Choice D is unrelated to the administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate and is not a specific consideration for this medication.

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