a patient with breast cancer is prescribed tamoxifen nolvadex what critical information should the nurse provide during patient education

ATI RN

ATI Pathophysiology Test Bank

1. A patient with breast cancer is prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex). What critical information should the nurse provide during patient education?

A. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, so patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
B. Tamoxifen may decrease the risk of osteoporosis, so adequate calcium intake is important.
C. Tamoxifen may cause weight gain, so patients should monitor their diet.
D. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of breast cancer, so regular mammograms are essential.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed tamoxifen, a critical piece of information that the nurse should provide during patient education is that tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. Therefore, patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots and advised to seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Choice B is incorrect because tamoxifen does not decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Choice C is incorrect as weight gain is a possible side effect of tamoxifen, but it is not a critical piece of information compared to the risk of venous thromboembolism. Choice D is incorrect because tamoxifen is actually used to treat breast cancer, not increase its risk.

2. What is a critical point the nurse should include in patient education for a patient prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex)?

A. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism.
B. Tamoxifen may decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
C. Tamoxifen may cause hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
D. Tamoxifen may cause weight gain and fluid retention.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The critical point the nurse should include in patient education for a patient prescribed tamoxifen is that it may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. This is crucial information because tamoxifen is known to promote blood clot formation, and patients need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of blood clots to seek prompt medical attention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as tamoxifen is not associated with decreasing the risk of osteoporosis, causing hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, or directly causing weight gain and fluid retention.

3. Muscular dystrophy is a result of an abnormality of the muscle protein:

A. glycoprotein
B. dystrophin
C. troponin
D. actinomyosin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Muscular dystrophy is primarily caused by mutations in the gene that provides instructions for making the protein dystrophin. Dystrophin plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of muscle fibers. Glycoprotein is a general term for proteins with sugar molecules attached, not specifically related to muscular dystrophy. Troponin is a protein involved in muscle contraction regulation, and actinomyosin is not a specific muscle protein but a complex formed during muscle contraction. Therefore, the correct answer is dystrophin.

4. A family member expresses concern to a nurse about behavioral changes in an elderly aunt. Which would cause the nurse to suspect a cognitive impairment disorder?

A. Decreased interest in activities that she once enjoyed
B. Fear of being alone at night
C. Increased complaints of physical ailments
D. Problems with preparing a meal or balancing her checkbook

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Problems with tasks like meal preparation and balancing a checkbook can indicate cognitive impairment, as these activities involve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive function. Choices A, B, and C are less indicative of cognitive impairment. Decreased interest in activities and increased complaints of physical ailments may be related to other factors like depression, while fear of being alone at night could be due to anxiety or other psychological issues.

5. Which clients are at highest risk for pneumonia?

A. Those in their 20s and 30s and generally healthy
B. Those who exercise regularly and are not exposed to pathogens
C. Those who are hospitalized and immunocompromised
D. Those who have adequate respiratory function

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clients who are hospitalized and immunocompromised are at the highest risk for pneumonia due to their weakened immune systems. Choice A is incorrect as young and healthy individuals typically have stronger immune systems. Choice B is incorrect because regular exercise can actually boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infections. Choice D is incorrect as having adequate respiratory function does not necessarily correlate with the risk of developing pneumonia.