Nursing Elites

1. When educating a patient starting on oral contraceptives, what should the nurse include in the teaching plan regarding potential side effects?

• A. Weight gain, mood changes, and nausea
• B. Increased appetite, insomnia, and fatigue
• C. Breast tenderness, headaches, and dizziness
• D. Fatigue, hair loss, and joint pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight gain, mood changes, and nausea are common side effects of oral contraceptives. Weight gain may occur due to fluid retention or changes in metabolism. Mood changes can be caused by hormonal fluctuations. Nausea is a common side effect that usually improves after a few months of use. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect common side effects associated with oral contraceptives. Increased appetite, insomnia, breast tenderness, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, and joint pain are not typically reported side effects of oral contraceptives.

2. A client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is admitted to the hospital. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Administer muscle relaxants as prescribed.
• B. Assist the client with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• C. Provide nutritional support to prevent aspiration.
• D. Encourage the client to participate in physical therapy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with ALS is to provide nutritional support to prevent aspiration. ALS causes muscle weakness, including the muscles used for swallowing, increasing the risk of aspiration. Providing proper nutrition and support can help prevent this complication. Administering muscle relaxants (Choice A) may not be suitable for ALS as it can further weaken muscles. While assisting with ADLs (Choice B) and encouraging physical therapy (Choice D) are important aspects of care, the priority for a client with ALS is to prevent complications related to swallowing and nutrition.

3. A patient is starting on atorvastatin (Lipitor) for hyperlipidemia. What important instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication at night to reduce the risk of muscle pain.
• B. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
• C. Take the medication in the morning with breakfast.
• D. Avoid taking the medication with alcohol to reduce the risk of liver damage.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Atorvastatin should be taken at night to reduce the risk of muscle pain and other side effects. Taking it at night aligns with the body's natural rhythm of cholesterol production, optimizing its effectiveness. Choice B is incorrect because grapefruit juice can increase the risk of side effects by affecting the metabolism of atorvastatin. Choice C is incorrect as taking atorvastatin in the morning does not maximize its effectiveness. Choice D is incorrect because alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver damage when combined with atorvastatin.

4. What is the major effect of filgrastim (Neupogen) in a patient with chronic renal failure?

• A. Decreases neutropenia related to chemotherapy
• B. Decreases white blood cells related to infection
• C. Decreases growth of blood vessels due to ischemia
• D. Decreases platelet count related to bleeding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The major effect of filgrastim (Neupogen) is to stimulate the production of neutrophils, thereby decreasing neutropenia in patients undergoing chemotherapy. This medication helps the bone marrow produce more white blood cells, specifically neutrophils, to reduce the risk of infections associated with low neutrophil counts. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because filgrastim does not decrease white blood cells related to infection, growth of blood vessels, or platelet count related to bleeding.

5. A patient with breast cancer is prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex). What should the nurse emphasize during patient education?

• A. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, so patients should be aware of the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
• B. Tamoxifen may cause weight gain, so patients should monitor their diet.
• C. Tamoxifen may cause hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
• D. Tamoxifen may decrease the risk of osteoporosis, so patients should ensure adequate calcium intake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Tamoxifen increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, a serious side effect. Therefore, patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots, such as swelling, pain, and redness in the legs, and advised to seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Choice B is incorrect because weight gain is not a significant side effect of tamoxifen. Choice C is incorrect because hot flashes and menopausal symptoms are common side effects of tamoxifen but are not as critical to address as venous thromboembolism. Choice D is incorrect because tamoxifen does not decrease the risk of osteoporosis; in fact, it may increase the risk of bone loss in premenopausal women.

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