Nursing Elites

1. A 21-year-old male is being started on zidovudine (AZT) for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Which of the following statements made by the patient indicates that he has understood the patient teaching?

• A. “AZT inactivates the virus and prevents recurrence of the disease.”
• B. “AZT therapy may result in the development of AZT-resistant strains.”
• C. “AZT slows the progression of the disease but does not cure it.”
• D. “AZT prevents the occurrence of opportunistic infections.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When the patient states, “AZT slows the progression of the disease but does not cure it,” it shows an understanding that zidovudine (AZT) does not provide a cure for HIV/AIDS but helps in slowing down the progression of the disease. Choice A is incorrect because AZT does not inactivate the virus or prevent recurrence. Choice B is incorrect as AZT resistance can develop with therapy. Choice D is incorrect because while AZT can help prevent opportunistic infections by boosting the immune system, its primary action is not the prevention of opportunistic infections.

2. During patient teaching, a young woman asks the nurse the following question: 'If I get pregnant on the 'pill,' should I continue to take it?' What is the nurse's best response?

• A. The pill has no effect on pregnancy.
• B. The pill will cause miscarriage.
• C. This is a personal choice for each woman.
• D. The pill can be harmful to the fetus and should be discontinued.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: This is a personal choice for each woman.' If a woman becomes pregnant while taking birth control pills, it is generally recommended to discontinue them as they can potentially harm the fetus. However, the decision to continue or discontinue the pill in case of pregnancy is ultimately a personal choice for each woman. Choice A is incorrect because birth control pills are meant to prevent pregnancy, but if a woman becomes pregnant while taking them, the situation changes. Choice B is incorrect because birth control pills do not cause miscarriage; they are intended to prevent pregnancy. Choice D is incorrect because while it is generally advised to discontinue the pill if pregnancy occurs, the decision ultimately depends on the individual circumstances and preferences of the woman.

3. When starting on oral contraceptives, what key point should the nurse emphasize about taking the medication consistently?

• A. Oral contraceptives should be taken at the same time each day to maintain stable hormone levels and prevent 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 in the morning to avoid nighttime side effects.
• D. Oral contraceptives are effective immediately upon starting, regardless of timing.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When starting on oral contraceptives, it is crucial to take them at the same time each day to maintain stable hormone levels and ensure their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect because consistency in timing is essential to maximize contraceptive efficacy. Choice C is incorrect as there is no evidence that taking oral contraceptives in the morning helps avoid nighttime side effects. Choice D is incorrect because oral contraceptives do not provide immediate effectiveness and require consistent use to prevent pregnancy.

4. A female patient is concerned about the side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). What common side effect should the nurse explain?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Hair loss
• C. Increased libido
• D. Decreased energy levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight gain. Weight gain is a common side effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to hormonal changes. Patients should be informed about this possibility as part of their treatment plan. Hair loss (Choice B) is not a common side effect of HRT. Increased libido (Choice C) and decreased energy levels (Choice D) are not typically associated with HRT side effects. Therefore, the nurse should focus on discussing weight gain with the patient.

5. A patient is receiving chloroquine (Aralen) for extraintestinal amebiasis. Which of the following medications should be administered with chloroquine?

• A. Iodoquinol (Yodoxin)
• B. Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• C. Metyrosine (Demser)
• D. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Metronidazole (Flagyl). When treating extraintestinal amebiasis, chloroquine is often used in combination with metronidazole to ensure the eradication of the parasite. Metronidazole helps to target the infection more effectively. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Iodoquinol (Yodoxin) is another antiprotozoal agent but is not typically used in combination with chloroquine for amebiasis. Metyrosine (Demser) is used in the management of pheochromocytoma, and carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug, neither of which are indicated for extraintestinal amebiasis.

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