Nursing Elites

1. A patient is starting on a statin medication for hyperlipidemia. What critical instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication at night to reduce the risk of muscle pain and other side effects.
• B. Take the medication in the morning with breakfast to improve absorption.
• C. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication to reduce the risk of liver damage.
• D. Take the medication with a high-fat meal to increase its effectiveness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Statins like atorvastatin should be taken at night to reduce the risk of muscle pain and other side effects. Taking the medication with a high-fat meal (choice D) is not recommended as it can decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Alcohol consumption (choice C) should be moderated but does not need to be completely avoided unless contraindicated. Taking the medication with breakfast (choice B) may not be as effective as taking it at night due to the circadian rhythm of cholesterol synthesis.

2. After a 27-year-old woman with epilepsy had a generalized seizure, she feels tired and falls asleep. This is:

• A. an ominous sign.
• B. normal and termed the postictal period.
• C. a reflection of an underlying brain tumor.
• D. only worrisome if there are focal neurologic deficits after.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: normal and termed the postictal period. The postictal period is a common phase following a seizure where the individual may experience fatigue, confusion, or sleepiness. It is a normal part of the seizure event and does not necessarily indicate a serious issue. Choice A is incorrect because feeling tired and falling asleep after a seizure is not an ominous sign but rather a typical postictal symptom. Choice C is incorrect as there is no indication in the scenario provided that links the symptoms to an underlying brain tumor. Choice D is incorrect because the absence of focal neurologic deficits does not make the postictal period worrisome.

3. What causes secondary brain injury after head trauma?

• A. Brain injury resulting from the body’s response to tissue damage
• B. Brain injury resulting from initial trauma
• C. Injury as a result of medical therapy
• D. Focal areas of bleeding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Secondary brain injury occurs due to the body's response to the initial trauma, which can worsen the effects of the primary injury. This response includes processes like inflammation, increased intracranial pressure, and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. Choice B is incorrect because it refers to the primary trauma itself, not the secondary injury. Choice C is incorrect as it relates to injury caused by medical interventions rather than the body's response. Choice D is incorrect as it specifically mentions focal areas of bleeding, which is a consequence of trauma rather than the cause of secondary brain injury.

4. A male patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prescribed finasteride (Proscar). What should the nurse include in the patient education?

• A. The medication is expected to reduce the size of the prostate, which should improve urinary symptoms over time.
• B. The medication will improve symptoms within a few days.
• C. The medication will cure BPH after treatment is complete.
• D. The medication may cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Finasteride is expected to reduce the size of the prostate, which should improve urinary symptoms over time, although the effects may take several weeks or months to become noticeable.

5. Which of the following types of vitamin or mineral deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia and is associated with lower extremity paresthesias?

• A. Vitamin B12
• B. Folate
• C. Iron
• D. Vitamin K

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and neurological symptoms, including lower extremity paresthesias. Folate deficiency can also cause megaloblastic anemia but typically does not present with neurological symptoms. Iron deficiency leads to microcytic anemia, not megaloblastic anemia. Vitamin K deficiency is associated with coagulation abnormalities, not megaloblastic anemia.

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