a patient with a history of osteoporosis is prescribed raloxifene evista what is the primary therapeutic action of this medication

ATI RN

Pathophysiology Exam 1 Quizlet

1. A patient with a history of osteoporosis is prescribed raloxifene (Evista). What is the primary therapeutic action of this medication?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It decreases bone resorption and increases bone density.' Raloxifene, as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), works by reducing bone resorption (breakdown) and maintaining or increasing bone density. This mechanism helps in preventing further bone loss and can even increase bone mass. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Raloxifene does not stimulate the formation of new bone (choice A), increase calcium absorption in the intestines (choice C), or increase the excretion of calcium through the kidneys (choice D).

2. Which of the following women are at highest risk for the development of endometrial cancer?

A. A 50-year-old postmenopausal woman with a history of high-risk human papillomavirus
B. A 45-year-old woman who is obese and has menstrual irregularities with periods of amenorrhea and infrequent periods.
C. A 40-year-old woman who is overweight and has hypertension.
D. A 55-year-old woman who smokes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Obesity and irregular menstrual cycles, including periods of amenorrhea and infrequent periods, are significant risk factors for the development of endometrial cancer. Choice A is less likely as postmenopausal status reduces the risk. Choice C is not directly associated with a high risk of endometrial cancer. Choice D, smoking, is more strongly linked to other types of cancers like lung cancer rather than endometrial cancer.

3. A 21-year-old male is brought to the ED following a night of partying in his fraternity. His friends found him 'asleep' and couldn't get him to respond. They cannot recall how many alcoholic beverages he drank the night before. While educating a student nurse and the man's friends, the nurse begins by explaining that alcohol is:

A. A water-soluble compound that is easily absorbed by the gastric lining of the stomach.
B. Very lipid-soluble and rapidly crosses the blood–brain barrier.
C. Able to reverse the transport of some substances to remove them from the brain.
D. Very likely to cause sedation and therefore the client just needs to sleep it off.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alcohol is very lipid-soluble and rapidly crosses the blood–brain barrier, leading to its effects on the central nervous system and causing symptoms like sedation and unconsciousness. Choice A is incorrect because alcohol is not water-soluble; it is lipid-soluble. Choice C is incorrect as alcohol does not reverse the transport of substances from the brain. Choice D is incorrect as sedation from alcohol is not a reason to just 'sleep it off' in cases of alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening and requires medical attention.

4. Which of the following are signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction?

A. Persistent chest pain which may radiate to the arm
B. Brief sternal chest pain on inspiration
C. Rapid respirations with left-sided weakness and numbness
D. Left upper quadrant abdominal pain which radiates to the back and shoulder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Persistent chest pain that may radiate to the arm is a classic symptom of myocardial infarction. This pain is typically described as crushing, pressure-like, or squeezing. Choice B is incorrect because brief sternal chest pain on inspiration is not characteristic of myocardial infarction. Choice C is incorrect because rapid respirations with left-sided weakness and numbness are not typical symptoms of myocardial infarction. Choice D is incorrect because left upper quadrant abdominal pain that radiates to the back and shoulder is not a common presentation of myocardial infarction.

5. A client with a diagnosis of depression has been prescribed a medication that ultimately increases the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin between neurons. Which process will accompany the actions of the neurotransmitter in a chemical synapse?

A. Two-way communication between neurons is permitted, in contrast to the one-way communication in electrical synapses.
B. Communication between a neuron and the single neuron it is connected with will be facilitated.
C. The neurotransmitter will cross gap junctions more readily.
D. More neurotransmitters will cross the synaptic cleft and bond with postsynaptic receptors.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When serotonin levels increase, more neurotransmitters will cross the synaptic cleft and bind with postsynaptic receptors, facilitating enhanced communication. Option A is incorrect because chemical synapses, unlike electrical synapses, are unidirectional. Option B is incorrect because neurotransmitters impact communication with multiple neurons, not just a single connected neuron. Option C is incorrect because neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft, not gap junctions.